Memorial Bench at Cafe Teasia in Cranford Honors Maria Niotis and Isabella Salas

On Monday evening, Cranford came together at Cafe Teasia to dedicate a memorial bench in honor of two high school friends whose lives were cut short. The bench honors Maria Niotis and Isabella Salas, both 17, who died on September 29, 2025. Union County Life was there for the gathering.

Maria and Isabella shared more than a friendship—they shared a favorite place. Cafe Teasia, tucked on a Cranford street corner, was where the two best friends gathered regularly for boba tea and time together. When the Cranford High School Parent Teacher Student Association decided to create a way to honor the girls, there was only one choice: the cafe where they loved to be.

The memorial bench, unveiled Monday evening, features a plaque reading, "Forever in our hearts Isabella & Maria Class of 2026 Cranford High School PTSA." The families of the two girls were part of every step of the planning, from the idea to the placement. Their mothers, Mary Salas and Foulla Niotis, were the first to sit together on the bench as family, friends, and community members gathered around them.

Kathleen Bruns-Meyers, former president of the Cranford High School PTSA, came up with the idea during a townwide memorial service at the First Presbyterian Church of Cranford in October. "While sitting there, praying, the idea of the bench came to me," she said. She brought the proposal to PTSA officers and then to the general membership, where it received support. She reached out to the families to ask where they would like the bench placed, and they chose Cafe Teasia without hesitation.

When Bruns-Meyers approached Mike, the cafe's owner, he did not hesitate either. "He was the most accommodating and generous person, and immediately said, 'Of course,'" she said. Production delays and scheduling challenges postponed the dedication for months, but on Monday, it finally came together.

At the ceremony, Bruns-Meyers reflected on the girls' lives. "Today, we remember not only the profound loss of these beautiful young women, but more importantly, the beautiful lives they lived," she said. "We remember their friendship, a friendship built on laughter, loyalty and simply enjoying being together."

She spoke of her hope for what the bench would mean. "While no memorial can replace what has been lost, we hope that this bench serves as a place where memories are honored and where the values that Isabella and Maria embodied—friendship, compassion and joy—continue to inspire everyone who visits. We hope this place becomes one where you can feel the embrace of the community that continues to carry Isabella and Maria in its heart."

The gathering centered on the friendship the girls shared and the loss that has brought Cranford together in grief and remembrance.

Find more Cranford news, events, and community coverage on Union County Life.

FAQ

Q: When was the memorial bench dedicated?
A: The memorial bench was dedicated on Monday, July 28, 2026, at Cafe Teasia in Cranford. The Cranford High School PTSA organized the dedication ceremony.

Q: Who does the memorial bench honor?
A: The bench honors Maria Niotis and Isabella Salas, two Cranford High School students who were best friends and died on September 29, 2025. Both were 17 years old.

Q: Where is the memorial bench located?
A: The memorial bench is located inside Cafe Teasia in Cranford. The cafe was chosen because it was a favorite gathering place where Maria and Isabella spent time together enjoying boba tea.

Q: What does the memorial plaque say?
A: The plaque reads, "Forever in our hearts Isabella & Maria Class of 2026 Cranford High School PTSA."

Q: Who came up with the idea for the bench?
A: Kathleen Bruns-Meyers, former president of the Cranford High School PTSA, came up with the idea during a townwide memorial service at the First Presbyterian Church of Cranford in October 2025.

Q: Where can I find more Cranford news and community events?
A: Union County Life covers Cranford news, community events, and local stories. Visit unioncountylife.com to stay updated on Cranford happenings.