Cristina Abuan Zarejko

With deep sorrow and profound love, we announce the passing of Cristina Abuan Zarejko, who entered eternal rest on Monday, May 12, 2025, in New York City, surrounded by love and faith.

Born and raised in Manila, Philippines, Cristina was the daughter of Arsenio Abuan, Sr. and Maxima Pamintuan Abuan. A proud graduate of the University of Santo Tomas, Cristina began her career as a CPA at the Central Bank of the Philippines before immigrating to Jersey City, New Jersey, in 1982 to begin a new chapter of her life.

She married Anthony William Zarejko, her beloved husband of 30 years, and together they raised their treasured son, Joseph Zarejko. Though Anthony passed in 2017, Cristina remained a devoted wife in memory and spirit.

Cristina’s professional life was marked by remarkable achievements: she became the first woman and first minority Chief Auditor for the New Jersey Department of Labor, a title earned through decades of excellence, integrity, and trailblazing leadership.

But even greater than her accomplishments was the extraordinary way Cristina lived her life — with a heart full of kindness, humility, and unwavering love. She was not only a devoted mother and faithful servant of her church, but also, as her family lovingly emphasized, a truly kind wife, a compassionate sister, and a thoughtful sister-in-law. Her warmth radiated in every relationship, and her generosity knew no bounds.

A pillar of St. Joseph’s Church for over 30 years, Cristina served as a Catechist, Lector, Eucharistic Minister, Trustee, and volunteer at the bread line and food pantry. Her deep faith guided her daily life, and she found joy in service — always putting others before herself. She also volunteered with the Filipino Apostolate of the Archdiocese of Newark, uplifting her community in countless ways.

Cristina’s passions were simple yet meaningful — she loved playing the piano, working through sudoku puzzles, and spending quiet moments with a good book. But most of all, she loved going to church, where she felt closest to God.

She is survived by her beloved son Joseph, and her devoted siblings: Theodore and his wife Celeste, Mediatrix and her husband Salvadore, Jesus, Arsenio Jr. and his wife Jeana, Flordeliza (Lala) and her husband Alex, Emmanuel and his wife Teresa, and Rachelle Abuan, as well as her cousin Maynard Abuan, and a host of adoring nieces, nephews and friends.

Cristina now joins in eternal peace, her husband Anthony, her brother Antonio Abuan, and her sister Elizabeth Jablonski.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, May 14, 2025, from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Riotto Funeral Home, Jersey City (For GPS, please use: 14 Stagg Street). Funeral services will begin Thursday, May 15, 2025, 9:00 AM at St. Joseph's Church, Jersey City. A Funeral Mass will begin at 10:00 AM. Interment will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery, North Arlington.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Cristina’s memory to:

St. Joseph’s Church, 511 Pavonia Avenue, Jersey City, NJ 07306 (https://tinyurl.com/CAZarejko-StJosephJC)

St. Francis of Assisi, 135 W 31st St, New York, NY 10001 (https://stfrancisnyc.org/)

Cristina Abuan Zarejko was a woman of faith, service, and deep love. Her legacy will live on in every life she touched — not only for what she achieved, but for how tenderly and selflessly she loved.