Maria Teresa Dias, 82, of Fall River, widow of Jose S. Dias, passed away on Tuesday, March 1, 2022, at home surrounded by family. Born in Mosteiros, St. Michael, Azores, a daughter of the late Jose do Monte and the late Florinda (Almeida) Monte, she emigrated to Fall River in 1969.

She worked in the housekeeping department of St. Anne's Hospital for many years, retiring in 2002. Prior to that she was employed in the local garment industry for a time. Maria was a devoted mom who enjoyed cooking and gardening, as well as sewing, but her greatest joy was spending time with family, who loved everything she cooked – especially her "massa."

She is survived by: four children, Mario Dias of Dartmouth, Carmelia Ferreira of Fall River, Joe Dias of Fall River, and Susan Soares (husband Roger) of Fall River; three siblings, Jose Monte of Swansea, Manuel Monte of Fall River, and Conceicao Pereira of Fall River; eight grandchildren; nine great grandchildren; and several nieces & nephews.

Her Funeral Mass was celebrated on Tuesday, March 8th, in Santo Christo Church followed by her committal at St. Patrick Cemetery in Fall River. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Maria's memory to American Cancer Society, 3 Speen St, Suite 250, Framingham, MA 01701; 508-270-4698, 800-227-2345; www.cancer.org

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 this pandemic 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!