In Taunton, Maria Jose (Machado) DaPonte, age 88 of Taunton, passed away peacefully on March 24, 2022 at Marian Manor Nursing Home, where she was compassionately cared for the last few years of her life. She was the beloved wife of the late Manuel David DaPonte.
Maria Jose was born in Lomba Da Maia, Sao Miguel, Azores. She was the daughter of the late Manuel Leite Melo and Maria do Carmo (Medeiros) Machado. She was the sister of the late Manuel Melo, Antonio Melo, Dinis Melo, Jose Melo, Angelina Melo, Jose Jacinto Melo, Maria Leite, David Melo and Deolinda Camara.
Before immigrating to the United States in 1979, she was a homemaker in her native land. While residing in Taunton, she worked for Rennie’s Curtain Factory. Upon retirement, Maria Jose returned with her husband to her homeland where she spent her golden years.
A devoted Catholic, she enjoyed shopping, baking, knitting, gardening and spending time with her family and friends. She also had a sweet tooth and loved ice cream. She will be greatly missed.
She is survived by her three daughters; Eduarda DaPonte of Canada, Teresa Bonenfant and her husband Brian of Taunton, Connie Magan and her husband Ricardo of Taunton, and three sons; Emanuel DaPonte and his wife Paula of Taunton, Hermano DaPonte and his wife Maria of FL, Luis DaPonte of Taunton. She also leaves sixteen grandchildren, fourteen great-grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews and several great nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, March 29, 2022. Viewing at O’Keefe-Wade Funeral Home, 70 Washington St., Taunton, MA 02780 from 9-10:30am., followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11am. at St. Anthony’s Church, 126 School St., Taunton. Interment will follow at St. Joseph’s Cemetery.