Maria S. Aguiar

Maria (Sousa) Aguiar, of Água Retorta, São Miguel, Açores and Somerset, MA passed away unexpectedly on Monday afternoon, July 7, 2025 surrounded by her family. She was the beloved daughter of the late Manuel (Chico) Sousa and the late Maria de Lourdes Sousa, and the devoted wife of 51 years to Manuel Carreiro Aguiar.

Maria was a loving and selfless mother to her three children: Lelia Ricard (husband; Andrew Ricard) of Somerset, João Aguiar (wife; Candace Aguiar) of Blythewood, SC, and Mandy Connors (husband; Kyle Connors) of Swansea.

Nothing brought her more joy than being surrounded by her grandchildren—especially her seven granddaughters, whom she affectionately referred to by their birth order: Alyssa Teixeira (#1), Maegan Teixeira (#2), Olivia Aguiar (#3) (fiancée; Brandon Correia), Chloe Aguiar (#4), Ava Ricard (#5),Claire Connors (#6) and Nora Connors (#7). A perfect day for Maria was one with all seven girls together under one roof laughing and enjoying her home cooked Portuguese food.

She also cherished her bonus grandchildren immensely, Robert Ricard (wife Jenna), Jeremy Ricard (wife Brittany), Kelsey Ricard (husband Varshaun) and Ian Douglas. Maria also had 6 great-grandchildren Alexander, Amara, Nora, Amelia, Renée, and Adrian, each of whom held such a special place in her heart.

Maria is also survived by her many loving siblings: Manuel and Nascimento Sousa of Água Retorta, Nancy and Angelo Sardinha of Fall River, José and Delina Sousa of Fall River, Alda and Roy Furtado of Rehoboth, Natércia and Carlos Cabral of Fall River, and Maria-Jesus and José Cabral of Fall River, and two sister in laws, Adelaide Sousa and Helia Sousa both of Toronto, Canada. She was predeceased by her two brothers Pedro Sousa and Lazaro Sousa both of Toronto.

In addition to her siblings, Maria's extended family included her many brothers & sisters in laws with whom she was so close with. Maria José & Luís Teixeira of Toronto, José & Lourdes Aguiar of Fall River, Francisco & Conceição Campos of Itanhaem, Brasil, Paul & Tina Donoghue of Dracut, MA, Luísa & the late Francisco Barbosa of Somerville, MA and her sister in law Maria Jose Aguiar of Saugus, MA.
She was also predeceased by her brother-in-laws Ernesto Aguiar of Saugus, and Antonio Aguiar of Somerville.

She was the beloved aunt and Godmother to many, many nieces, nephews and Godchildren, all of whom she loved & adored deeply.

Maria was a parishioner of St. Anthony of Pádua Church in Fall River and a woman of profound faith and deep devotion. Her belief in the Holy Spirit and Senhor Santo Cristo guided her life and were her true north. Hosting the Holy Ghost celebrations & praying the rosary in her home was a source of immense joy and spiritual fulfillment for her. She could often be found lighting candles and praying fervently for the health and well-being of others.

Her selflessness & generosity knew no bounds. Whether it was sharing fresh vegetables from her garden, gifting homemade baked goods to loved ones, or buying seafood in bulk to share with family and friends in the summertime, Maria lived to give and share with others. She was also known for her delicious queijadas de leite and her famous chouriço and pepper sandwiches, both made with love and brought to every family gathering.

Her warmth, kindness, and unwavering love will leave a lasting legacy in the hearts of all who knew her or were touched by her generosity. She will be missed greatly.

Maria's Funeral Mass was celebrated on Saturday, July 12th, at St. Anthony of Padua Church followed by her committal at St. Patrick Cemetery both in Fall River.

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!