REHOBOTH - We are sad to announce that on February 18, 2025, Maria Silva Mendonca (Lourdes), 85, passed away peacefully while at home surrounded by her loving family. She was born on March 25, 1939, in Furnas, São Miguel, Açores, Portugal, the daughter of the late Manuel Cabral Silva and Mariana (Furtado) Silva.

Maria moved to Fall River, MA in 1956, where she later married her beloved husband, the late Manuel Vieira Mendonca in January 1962. They soon settled in Swansea, MA, where they lived and raised their family for over 40 years, before they moved to Rehoboth, MA in 2014, where they lived out the rest of their golden years with their family. Maria's greatest love was her family, to whom she dedicated her entire life. She found immense joy in cooking family dinners on Sundays, cherishing every moment spent with her sons, their spouses, and especially her beloved granddaughters. These gatherings were the highlights for her, filled with laughter, love, and delicious meals. Earlier in life, Maria enjoyed the simple pleasures of gardening alongside her husband, nurturing the garden with the same care and devotion she showed her family. She also had a passion for crocheting, sewing and handwork. Maria loved to travel and cruise with her siblings and their spouses, creating cherished memories and strengthening the bonds of family.

Maria's legacy of love, warmth, and dedication will forever be remembered by those who were fortunate enough to know her. She leaves behind a family who will continue to honor her memory by carrying forward the traditions and values she held dear.

Loved and cherished by many, in addition to her late parents and her predeceased sister Maria Angel Carreiro of Fall River, MA. Surviving are her sons, Steve Mendonca and his husband Ram Levi, of Ft. Lauderdale, FL and David Mendonca and his wife Heather Mendonca, of Rehoboth, MA; her granddaughters Brooke and Madisyn of Swansea, MA; her siblings Manuel Silva of Vero Beach, FL and Margaret Fitta of Tiverton, RI; as well as several nieces and nephews.

Her funeral will take place at the Manuel Rogers Funeral Home, 1521 North Main St., Fall River, MA, on Monday, February 24th here at 9 A.M., followed by a Catholic Mass at 10 A.M. at St. John of God Parish, 996 Brayton Ave., Somerset, MA. Entombment at Notre Dame Mausoleum 1540 Stafford Road, Fall River, MA. Calling hours will be held at Manuel Rogers Funeral Home on Sunday, February 23rd from 3-6 P.M.

Please leave a sympathy message to the family by clicking the Guest Book link below. You may also light a candle in honor of Maria, schedule a Mass at St. John of God Parish in her honor, or send floral arrangements to the funeral service.