On November 6, 2010, Mary C. Aguiar passed away quietly at the Sarah Brayton Nursing Center in Fall River, MA. She was born in Fall River in 1910, one of seven children of the late Manuel M. Couto, Sr., and the late Maria S. Couto.
She spent her early years on the Island of St. Michael in the Azores and returned to the United States with her family in 1926. She was pre-deceased by her loving husband of fifty-two years, Joseph Aguiar. She is survived by four children, Mrs. Joseph LaRochelle, (Evelyn) of Port St. Lucie, FL, Mrs. Thomas Seiter, (Irene), of Belleair, FL, Mrs. Pauline Archard of Tampa, FL, and Daniel Aguiar of Chicago, IL.
She was pre-deceased by six brothers and sisters, Manuel Couto, Jr., Joseph Couto, Deolinda Couto, Louis M. Couto, Antonio Couto and Hilda Souza. She leaves eight grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren and eight nieces and nephews.
During her years in Fall River, Mary touched many lives. As a young woman, she was responsible for the successful immigration of many of her relatives to the United States and Canada. During the post World War II years, she and her husband Joseph operated the Capitol Cleaners and Dyers in the Flint District of Fall River. She later joined the Bride’s Shop in Fall River, where she created custom bridal headpieces for many years.
Throughout her life, Mary loved recalling memories of family gatherings and religious traditions. She was, along with her husband and family a long time member of Espirito Santo Parish, where she was also a member of the Holy Rosary Society.
Mary was ready to unite with God and the family members who were waiting to welcome her home.
She was 100 years old.
Her funeral will take place from the Manuel Rogers & Sons Funeral Home, 1521 N. Main St., Fall River Wednesday with calling hours from 8:30 A.M. to 10:00 A.M. followed by a Mass of Christian Burial in Espirito Santo Church, Alden St. at 10:30 A.M. Interment in St. Patrick Cemetery, Fall River.