Maria Emilia (Pedro) Pires, 80, of Fall River, passed away on Wednesday, September 2, 2020 in New Bedford. She was the wife of Artur Pires.

Born in Seada, Vila de Rei, Portugal, she was a daughter of the late Miguel and Luisa Maria Pedro.

She had worked in the textile industry for many years and then had worked in the BMC Durfee High School cafeteria where she loved putting smiles on kids' faces. Maria was a member of St Anthony of Padua Church. She was a devout catholic, and a member of the Holy Rosary Society. Mrs. Pires was the glue of the family, she loved spending time with them.

In addition to her husband of 61 years, she is survived by: her son Rui (wife-Margarida) Pires of Fall River; 2 grandchildren Kendr ick and Chadwick Pires, and 3 siblings, Maria Luisa Ricardo, Manuel Pedro both of Fall River, and Lurdes Farinha of Portugal.

Her Funeral Mass was celebrated on Tuesday, September 8th, in St. Anthony of Padua Church followed by her committal at St. Patrick Cemetery.

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 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!