In Taunton, August 11, 2013 Maria C. Rodrigues 94 of Taunton, passed away surrounded by her family at Morton Hospital. In keeping with her wishes, a Mass of Christian burial will be held at St Mary’s Church in Taunton on Wednesday, August 14th at 11 AM. Interment will be held at St Joseph Cemetery in Taunton. Maria was born in Brava, Nova Sintra on Christmas Eve of 1918. She lived there for most of her life until traveling to the United States with her family in 1964. Maria was married to the late Francisco Rodrigues in 1942; they were married for 33 years. Maria worked many jobs over the course of her life to provide for her family. She was a devout Catholic whose greatest love was her family. Maria is survived by her four children, Antonio Rodrigues of Brazil, Maria DiBenedetto of Everett, Maria DaRosa of Southwick and Joao Rodrigues of Taunton. She will be dearly missed by her ten grandchildren and nineteen great grandchildren, and other family members. Maria lived a long and productive life, she remained active and independent until her 90’s. She was a feisty woman who lived life fully and fought bravely against the encroachment of old age. She loved to laugh, had an insatiable appetite for sweets and spoke her mind freely on all topics. She will be remembered by many with enduring love and affection. In lieu of flowers donations in Maria’s memory may be made to St. Mary’s Church, 14 St Mary’s Square, Taunton, Ma, 02780.