NEW BEDFORD – Maria C. Paiva, age 82, a resident of New Bedford, peacefully passed away on Tuesday, April 25, 2023 at Charlton Memorial Hospital. Born in Sao Miguel, Azores, Maria was predeceased by her beloved husband of over 50 years, Carlos M. Paiva and by her parents Joseph & Evelyn (Tavares) Medeiros.

Prior to retiring, Maria worked as a seamstress in the local mills for many years. She was a strong woman with a wonderful sense of humor, always chiming in with a joke and a smile. Maria adored the cats she had throughout her life. She truly loved all animals, even saving a trapped opossum without hesitation or a flinch, when she found out that it was going to be put down. Maria looked forward to family events and you could count on hearing her sing her favorite Portuguese songs while playing the spoons. She liked to knit and crochet while watching the Portuguese channel, as well as cooking, especially one of her favorites, kale soup. Maria absolutely loved her family and adored the little ones the most, and was never without a baby to snuggle. She was an amazing daughter, wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother and she will be so deeply missed.

She is survived by her children: Rosa M. Chasse (Paul), Aida Rodrigues, Lucia Sousa (Chester), Carlos M. Paiva Jr. (Doreen), Paul J. Paiva (Deborah), Carla P. Briggs (Kevin), Sidonia Paiva, Lupercio R. Malavia (Kristen), and Diane M. Coffey-Paiva (Chasity); 37 grandchildren and 27 greatgrandchildren.

A visitation will be held on the morning of April 28 ^th from 9:00 - 11:00 A.M. at Manuel Rogers Funeral Home, 1521 North Main Street, Fall River, with a prayer service starting promptly at 11:00. Followed by interment at St. Patrick's Cemetery in Fall River. To share a memory or offer a condolence please visit www.rogersfuneral.com