Maria Manuela DeSousa, 84, passed away peacefully on Friday, May 17, 2024, at Northwood Rehabilitation & Health Care Center, surrounded by her loving family. She was the cherished wife of Henry T. DeSousa, with whom she would have celebrated their 64th wedding anniversary later this month.
Born on September 21, 1939, in Faial, Azores, Portugal, Maria was lovingly raised by her mother, Deolinda Goulart. At 18, she relocated to Terceira before immigrating to the United States in 1970, where she built a life filled with love and family.
Maria had a passion for crocheting, cooking, taking care of her house plants, and shopping, especially at Macy's. She was a devoted communicant of Saint Anthony's Church and an active member of the Red's Club and the Holy Ghost Society. Her greatest joy was spending time with her family, and she treasured her roles as a grandmother and great-grandmother. Family was always her top priority.
Maria worked for Wang Labs and later at Joann Fabrics until her retirement in 2000.
She is survived by her four children: Susana Da Silva and her husband Herberto of Lowell, Nuno DeSousa and his wife Amy of Colorado Springs, Kevin DeSousa and his wife Shauna of Colorado Springs, and Lolita DeSousa of Lowell. Maria was a beloved grandmother to seven grandchildren: Frankie Da Silva and his wife Tiffany of Pelham, Herberto Da Silva Jr. of Providence, RI, Katherine Da Silva and her wife Molly Casazza of Lynn, Kayleigh DeSousa of Colorado Springs, Miranda DeSousa of Colorado Springs, Kamron DeSousa of Colorado Springs, and Adelita DeSousa of Colorado Springs. She was also a doting great-grandmother to Brianna, Ava, Otis, and Cyrus.
Maria is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, brothers- and sisters-in-law, cousins, and friends. She was predeceased by her son Henry DeSousa and her brother Alberto Da Silva
You are welcome to attend her visitation on Tuesday May 21, 2024 from 10am until 12 noon at the McDonough Funeral Home. Following the calling hours, her funeral mass will be celebrated in Saint Anthony's Church at 1pm. Arrangements by the McDonough Funeral Home, 14 Highland Street, Lowell, MA 01852, www.mcdonoughfuneralhome.com