Maria E. Carreiro, 93, passed away in the loving arms of family members on Friday, April 15, 2016.

Maria was born in the village of Fenaes da Luz in Sao Miguel, Azores to her parents Manuel Machado and Etelvina Ferreira. Her father being a skilled tailor taught his seven children how to sew. Maria thus spent her early years fully involved with her family and the family business as a seamstress until her parents returned to the United States in 1955 – her parents having originally met, married and even started their family here in the states at the turn of the century. Maria married Luis Dias Carreiro from Pico da Pedra, Sao Miguel on December 21, 1945. Together they had six children. Maria was a resilient woman and through many heartaches and trials, she remained strong, caring for many family members. She was a cancer survivor of 20 years. One of Maria's greatest accomplishments came while her sister went to the United States to set-up residence for the family. Maria spent two years raising four of her young children along with six of her sister's young children, the youngest being two months old. Maria and Luis then boarded nine children onto a flight to their new lives in Fall River, Massachusetts, on April 1, 1966.

Maria quickly adapted to her new home, learned the basics of the English language at age 43 and saw that her children were integrating into their new lives as well. Maria retired from Shelburne Shirt Company after 18 years as a seamstress. During her whole life she was a care giver; she often provided meals, housekeeping and compassion to nurse sick family members during their difficult illnesses. Maria's home was always welcoming to the many grandchildren that lived near her as they would visit after school and enjoy being spoiled by their Vavo'. Maria is also known for her cooking and baking skills. Her rice pudding and biscuits are famous in Asheville, NC, as she ensured that each visit by her son and daughter-in-law ended with quarts of fresh rice pudding and dozens of biscuits for the family to share with friends in Asheville.

Later in life Maria had the fortune to move to Western North Carolina to live with her son, Joe and his family. This allowed Maria time to share her love by folding numerous loads of laundry, baking with Leslie and Alexandria, and teaching the family Portuguese recipes to Joe. She also enjoyed watching two of her grandchildren become young adults through their various areas of interest.

Maria is preceded in death by: her husband, Luis, of 55 years; a daughter, Theresa Ferreira; two infant children, Luis Manuel and Theresa; three sisters, Theresa Rego, Inez Brum, Maria Jose Penacho; and her brother, Manuel Machado. Family surviving her to rejoice in her life include: her two sisters, Mariana Barao and Guimar Rego; a daughter, Lucinda Oliveira, her husband Jose, and their children, Jose, Albert and Louis, all from Kitimat, British Columbia, Canada; Theresa Ferreira's children, Sandra, Bobby, Michael, Kayla and Brian; her son Joe Carreiro, his wife Leslie, and their children, Alexandria and Paul Luis; Maria's special nephews and nieces, Joanne, Tony, Paul, Peter, Maria and Fatima; Michael Penacho and Theresa Moniz; Orlanda Ponte, and Jose Leonardo in Sao Miguel. Maria leaves five Great Grandchildren and one Great Great grandchild.

The family is so appreciative of Dr. Shelton and the staff at Mission Hospital, Asheville, NC , Care Partners Adult Day Care, the Mountain Ridge Health staff, and friends in the Black Mountain Presbyterian Church Community for caring for Maria.

Following her cremation in North Carolina, her Memorial Service was held on Saturday, May 7th, during a visitation period in our Fall River Chapel. Her Cremains were buried privately in a family lot at Notre Dame Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, kindly consider a donation in her memory to: American Cancer Society, 30 Speen Street, Framingham, MA 01701, 508-270-4600