We are deeply saddened to share that Maria C. Sousa, age 90, formerly of Fall River passed away on February 11, 2025. She was the beloved wife of the late Fernando I. Sousa and the daughter of the late Nicolau and Maria da Lourdes (Botelho) Viveiros, born and raised in Capelas, São Miguel, Açores.

Maria was a beloved mother, grandmother, great grandmother, aunt, and friend. In Capelas, Maria worked at the local school parttime while raising a family of four kids with her late husband. She came to the US for six months, worked as a housekeeper, learned the culture before deciding to move her family to the US. While in Fall River, Maria worked at San-Toro Manufacturing on the production line for men's formal suits, where she was known for her hard work and dedication. She took great pride in her role, and her commitment to quality was admired by those she worked with. Her roots began to grow here and she became a US citizen.

Spending time with her family and grandkids was always her most cherished joy. She found immense happiness in their company, and her home was often filled with love, laughter, and multiple warm meals. A gifted cook, Maria loved preparing delicious meals for her loved ones and friends would often stop in to sample her Portuguese cuisine. She especially enjoyed teaching her nieces the art of baking, passing down treasured family recipes. Maria loved spending time with her siblings, and dedicated travel time to visit family in the Azores and Brazil.

In her later years, Maria discovered a passion for watercolor painting, which became one of her favorite pastimes. Her art reflected the beauty she saw in the world and brought peace and inspiration to all who viewed it. As a skilled crocheter, Maria took great joy in making beautiful pieces for her grandchildren, creating lasting memories with each stitch. She also had a diverse collection of handmade embroidery linens, which she cherished and lovingly inspired her craftwork.

Maria was a. devout Catholic, and remained committed to her faith throughout her life. She faithfully attended religious celebrations and venerations with her sisters, finding solace and strength in her spiritual community. She would sing her grandchildren to sleep with religious hymns and teach them poetic prayers in Portuguese. She would enjoy her grandsons' baseball and hockey games, cheering them on in the stands.

Maria's kindness, generosity with her time and charity work with unwavering faith, will be deeply missed by all who knew her. Her legacy of love and devotion to family and faith will continue to inspire and live on in the hearts of her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews and all those who were fortunate enough to know her.

She was loved and cherished by many people including her children Leonardo Sousa (wife Rogeria) of Swansea, Tiago Sousa (wife Rose) of Westport, the late Lucinda Mota and Nelia Derocher (husband John) of Berkley; 11 grandchildren; 5 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. Maria was the oldest of all her siblings Maria Oliveira, Eduarda Cabral, Leonardo Viveiros, Fernandina Cabral,  Manuela Camara, Conceicao Sousa, and twins Lorena Cabral and Suzette Vasconcellos.

A visitation for Maria will be held on Saturday, February 15th  from 8-9:30 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 10:00 A.M. Interment in Notre Dame Cemetery.

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.