Maria C. Rosa
Lowell - Maria C. Rosa, 62, passed away peacefully on Monday, January 27, 2025, surrounded by her loved ones. She was the beloved wife of the late Manuel E. Rosa, Jr., who passed away last June, just shy of their 40th wedding anniversary.
Born on June 5, 1962, in Graciosa, Azores, Portugal, Maria was the daughter of the late Virgilio C. Melo and the late Laura L. (Cunha) Melo. She was raised and educated in Graciosa before immigrating to the United States in January 1982 at the age of 19, settling in Lowell, where she built a life rooted in faith, community, and family. Maria met the love of her life and married in July of 1984.
Maria was a devoted member of Saint Anthony’s Church, where she served as a longtime choir member, Eucharistic minister, lector, and CCD teacher. Her deep faith also led her to be active in the Cursillo Movement and many Portuguese organizations in Lowell. She was a dedicated leader, serving as a former committee member of both the Holy Ghost Society and the Holy Trinity Society. Most recently, in 2024, she was honored to serve as the secretary of the General Assembly at the Portuguese American Civic League, where she had been a longtime member and passionate volunteer.
Maria had a kind and generous spirit, always willing to lend her time and talents to the community. She led the Holy Ghost Rosary for many Portuguese organizations in Lowell and could often be found volunteering at various Portuguese events, always fostering the traditions she cherished. She especially loved the Portuguese Mardi Gras.
Beyond her devotion to her faith and community, Maria found great joy in spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren and their two siblings. She loved camping trips, the beach and family gatherings, treasuring every moment together.
She built a career in electronics manufacturing, beginning at MCF when she first arrived in the United States and later retiring from Accutronics in Chelmsford.
Maria is survived by her son, Scottie Rosa of Lowell; her beloved grandchildren, Aubrielle and Andrew Rosa of Dracut and their mother Nicole Rosa; her brother, Isalino Melo, and his wife, Denise, of Lowell, her father in law Manuel E. Rosa of Tewksbury; her brother-in-law, Jose Rosa, and his wife, Martinha, of Tewksbury; and her cherished nieces and nephews: Keith A. Melo (Godchild), Derek V. Melo, Ashley M. Melo Cardoso and her husband Tiago, their son Tiago Cardoso Jr. (Great nephew), Carson Rosa, and Sarina Rosa. She is also survived by many cousins, dear friends, and extended family members.
She was predeceased her mother in law, the late Lucia J. Rosa, and by her siblings, the late Dionisio M. Melo and Luisa M. Melo.
You are welcome to attend her visitation on Tuesday, February 4, 2025 from 9am until 11am at the McDonough Funeral Home, 14 Highland Street, Lowell, MA. Following the visitation, her funeral Mass will take place at Saint Anthony's Church in Lowell at 12 Noon. Burial in Saint Patrick Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to : American Cancer Society at :https://donate.cancer.org/.