Maria Nazare (Clarimundo) Sodre', age 69, passed away peacefully in her Lowell, MA home on November 23, 2021 surrounded by her family following an amazing journey with pancreatic cancer. Maria is the soul mate of her beloved husband, Marcos S. Sodre’, who predeceased her in 2009 following 39 years of marriage and was waiting in heaven to welcome her home.
Maria was born on August 22, 1952, in Graciosa, Azores, Portugal. She was the youngest daughter of the late Manuel Clarimundo and the late Joana DaGloria Lima. She came to the United States following her marriage in 1969, raising her children and welcoming her family and friends to her Lowell home for over 45 years.
Prior to her retirement, Maria had most recently been employed in the Patient Service Center at Lowell General Hospital, although she applied herself in several different professions in her life, including banking, insurance and travel planning. Following her retirement, Maria enjoyed spending time facilitating sleep overs, pool parties and playdates with her grandchildren, always making time to attend their activities and cheer them on in everything they did. She also enjoyed her summers in Graciosa spending time with her sisters, nieces, nephews, extended family and friends, savoring that time to the fullest. Maria always spoke her mind without apology and was regarded by others as a kind soul who always took time to lend a hand and offer support. She was a giver in the truest sense of the word, not only of thoughtful gifts, but her time, her love and her whole heart. Everyone who knew her would share stories of her impact in their lives. Her legacy will live on in her children, grandchildren and all those who had the privilege of knowing and loving her.
Maria is survived by her children, Vanda S. Foster and her husband, James of Billerica; Lisa S. Scollin and her husband, Edward of Lowell; and Marcos P. Sodre’ and his wife, Sherri (Horton) of Tewksbury. She will also be greatly missed by her adoring grandchildren, Olivia and Elliana Foster; Lucas and Emilia Scollin; and Samuel and Maren Sodre’, whom she loved beyond measure.
Maria is also survived by her brother, Mario Clarimundo and wife, Leonia of Peabody, MA.; sister, Natalia Melo of Graciosa; sister, Fatinha Picanso and her husband, Joao Manuel of Graciosa; sister-in-law, Clarinda Clarimundo of Graciosa; brother-in-law, Frank Sodre’ and his wife, Brenda of Hudson, NH; and many nieces, nephews, and friends who have become family, including her lifelong friend, Mabel Gregorio of Graciosa. Maria will also be missed by her friend, William “Bill” Higgins of Lowell.
In addition to her parents and beloved husband, Maria is predeceased by her sister and paixao doce, Guadalupe Serra as well as her brother, Valdemar Clarimundo; sister-in-law, Idalina Francisco and her husband, Jose; brother-in-law, Manuel Santos and his wife Lillian, brother-in-law, John S. Sodre’ and his wife, June; Brother-in-law, Jose Sodre’ and his wife Maria; Brothers-in-Law, Valter Melo and Joao Serra; nephews, John D. Sodre’, Valdemiro and Liberato Francisco and niece, Ana Maria Francisco.
Maria’s family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to Maria’s oncologist, Dr. Colin Weekes, infusion nurse, Ms. Kristin Anderson and the entire team at MGH Boston who contributed to the exceptional care Maria received and gave us all the most precious gift of time to make lasting memories with her prior to her passing.
In lieu of flowers, gifts in honor of Maria Sodre may be made to the Massachusetts General Hospital in support of Gastrointestinal Research, fund 020404. Gifts can be made online at https://giving.massgeneral.org/donate?tribute_make=1 or mailed to Meagan Coons in the MGH Development Office, 125 Nashua Street, Suite 540, Boston, MA 02114. Please make checks payable to Massachusetts General Hospital and note fund 020404 or Maria Sodre' in the memo line.
On Saturday, November 27, 2021 all are welcome to attend her calling hours from 8:30-11:30 a.m. at McDonough Funeral Home, 14 Highland Street, Lowell, MA 978-458-6816. Her funeral service will be held in the funeral home at 11:30 a.m. followed by her burial at St. Joseph Cemetery in Chelmsford.