Maria De Sousa, born November 20, 1935, in the Azores, passed away surrounded by her loving family on July 13, 2025. Known for her deep love for her family, her exceptional skills as a caregiver and homemaker, and her unwavering faith, Maria, a long-time resident of Fall River, Massachusetts, left an indelible mark on all who were fortunate to cross paths with her.

Maria's life was a testament to her strength and resilience. Widowed by her beloved husband, Fernando De Sousa, Maria, nonetheless, continued to radiate love and warmth, creating a nurturing home for those around her. Despite the challenges she faced, Maria was a beacon of hope and perseverance, inspiring those around her with her indomitable spirit.

Maria was the sweetest, most caring, and nurturing soul you could ever know. Her laughter could light up an entire room, and she cherished spending time with her family, including her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. The joy she felt watching them grow day by day is something we will never forget. Her memory will forever live on in them.

She is survived by her seven children, Laura Cilira, Ana Botelho and her husband Luis Botelho , Evangelina Rogers, Joao Desousa, Susana Sousa, Sonia Desousa and Ana Cristina Desousa. She is also survived by her two sisters Lucia Dasilva from Azores and her sister Alda perreira from Lisbon. Thirteen grandchildren Nicole Costa, The late Ashley Botelho, Jonathan Rogers, Veronica Botelho, Victoria Botelho, Colby Demello, Logan Casimiro, Zachary Rogers,Dominic Casimiro, Arissa Desousa, Destiny Casimiro, Brayden Desousa and Kamdyn Desousa. Great-grandchildren Brody Costa,Kaleb Costa, Nylah Costa, Alania Botelho and her sisters, and many nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews. Maria is predeceased by her siblings Matilda Botelho, Edmundo Botelho, Mario Botelho, Eduardo Botelho.

Maria looked forward to family gatherings especially during the holidays. She also enjoyed cooking. Some of her fondest pastimes also include having brunch with her daughters and spending time with her grandchildren.

As we bid farewell to Maria, we celebrate the depth and richness of her life. The public visitation will be held on Friday, July 18, 2025, from 05:00 PM - 08:00 PM at the Southcoast Funeral Home, 1555 Pleasant Street, Fall River, Massachusetts, 02723.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Santo Christo Parish, 185 Canal Street, Fall River, Massachusetts, 02721, on Saturday, July 19, 2025, at 10:00 AM. Friends and family are welcome to meet at the funeral home prior to Mass at 09:00 AM. Following the mass, a committal service will take place at 11:00 AM at Notre Dame Cemetery, 1540 Stafford Road, Fall River.

In the spirit of celebrating Maria's life in its entirety, we encourage family, friends, and those whose lives were touched by Maria to share their fondest memories and upload photos to Maria's memorial page. As Mark Twain once said, "The fear of death follows from the fear of life. A man who lives fully is prepared to die at any time." Maria lived fully, and her legacy continues to inspire us all.

Services are humbly entrusted into the care of Southcoast Funeral Homes "Celebrating A Life Well Lived"