Maria Benta (Pires) Fernandes, age 88, passed away on March 4, 2013 with her loving family by her side at the Kindred Nursing Home in Agawam. She was born on Sept. 21, 1924 in Codecoso, Portugal. She was a daughter to the late Jose Bento and Eusebia (Eupaosta) Pires. She came to the United States in 1966, and settled in Chicopee for the past 47 years. She worked as a seamstress for the John R. Lyman Co., for 25 years before she retired in 1989. She was a communicant of the former Holy Name Church. She leaves her loving husband of 63 years, Joao Fernandes of Chicopee; her loving children, Rosa Pires of NC, Fatima Sanchez and her husband Osbaldo of FL, Jose P. Fernandes and his wife Rosemary of Chicopee, Linda Loughrey of Agawam, Antonio P. Fernandes and his wife Judith of Springfield and Michelle Chmura of Belchertown. She also leaves her 9 beloved grandchildren, Fernando Pires, Fred and Diane Bogalhas, Adrienne and Jolene Fernandes, Danielle and Nicole Loughrey and Nicholas and Marc Chmura ; 6 great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. Maria loved to cook, and was known especially for her famous rice. She also enjoyed sewing and spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She is predeceased by 4 brothers and 1 sister. Calling hours will be held on Thursday, Mar. 7, 2013 from 4:00-7:00 p.m. at the Grise Funeral Home, 280 Springfield St, Chicopee. A Funeral Service will be held on Friday, Mar. 8, 2013 at 9:00 a.m. from the funeral home followed by a Mass of Christian Burial in Holy Name of Jesus Parish in Assumption Church (104 Springfield St) at 10:00 a.m. Burial will follow in Calvary Cemetery.