SOMERSET – Maria L. (Batista) Arruda, age 95, passed away peacefully on April 25, 2026 at Clifton Rehabilitation & Nursing Center. She was the wife of the late Leonardo Arruda. Born in Santa Barbara, Santo Antonio, São Miguel, Açores, she was the daughter of the late Antonio and Maria dos Anjos (Farias) Batista.

Maria was a strong-willed and had a memorable presence in the lives of those who knew her, leaving behind a life marked by complexity, resilience, and individuality. She was a long time parishioner of St. Michael's Church.

She was survived by her daughter Maria Goretti Aguiar of Somerset; brother Americo Batista; 11 grandchildren and many great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by many family members including her children Maria Adriano, Carlos Arruda, Arthur Arruda, Susan Arruda Levesque and Jose Arruda; siblings Lucia Martins, Olivia de Melo and Eduarda Tavares.

A visitation for Maria will be held on Thursday, April 30th  from 8:30 - 10 A.M. in the Manuel Rogers Funeral Home, 1521 N. Main St., Fall River. A funeral mass will follow in St. Michael's Church at 10:30 A.M. Interment in St. Patrick's Cemetery in Fall River.

To send the family Expressions of Sympathy, please click the Guest Book below. You may also light a candle in honor of Maria or send a beautiful flower arrangement to the funeral service.