Maria A. Pereira, 97, of Fall River, widow of Jose C. "Jose d'Avo" Pereira, passed away on Saturday, February 10, 2024, at the Fall River Jewish Home. Born in Pilar de Bretanha, St. Michael, Azores, a daughter of the late Joao Viveiros and the late Maria Jose (Tavares) Viveiros, she emigrated to Fall River in 1957.
Prior to her retirement in 1980, Maria had worked for many years in the local textile industry, at M & G Sportswear formerly of Fall River (in the old Kerr Mill). She was a proud member of the International Ladies Garment Workers Union ("I.L.G.W.U.") now called UNITE.
Maria was fondly known as Avo to family and friends alike. She had a heart of gold and always had a smile for everyone. She loved unconditionally, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren who lit up her eyes and her life. Her interests and passion were her family and church. She loved to cook. Her star soup and Portuguese stuffing were always family favorites. Maria's faith was unwavering and the inspiration for how she lived her life.
She is survived by: two children, Maria Silvana Lutes (husband Lloyd, known as "Bucky") of Hawthorne, California; John M. Pereira (wife Wendy) of Milton, MA; a daughter-in-law, Diana Pereira (wife of Maria's predeceased son, Joseph) of Mountain View, Hawaii; a sister, Teresa Teves of Westport; eight grandchildren, Corey Pereira, Bradley Pereira, Adam Pereira, Joey Pereira, Jessica Nelson, Elizabeth Samadi, John Pereira, and Matthew Pereira; three great grandchildren, Enzo, Mila, and Knox; and several nieces and nephews.
Her Funeral Mass was celebrated on Saturday, February 24th, in St. Anthony of Padua Church followed by her committal at Notre Dame Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Maria's memory to St. Anthony of Padua Church, 48 16th St, Fall River, MA 02723.

Family members are always grateful for relatives and friends wishing to make in-person expressions of kindness and support. If you were unable to do so, because of health concerns or any other reason, all are urged to express their sympathy online or by mail. To ensure that said condolences and/or sympathy cards reach the family, please always make sure that submissions online are made directly through the funeral home's website (www.silvafaria.com) and not through a third party. Thank you!