Maria L. Legassey

Maria L. Legassey, 92, of Fall River, widow of Raymond E. Legassey, passed away on Wednesday, August 5, 2026, at Catholic Memorial Home surrounded by family. Born in Ajuda Bretanha, St. Michael, Azores, a daughter of the late Joao Pimentel Carvalho and the late Luisa do Carmo (Raposo) Carvalho, she emigrated to Fall River in the mid-1960s.

A teacher in the Azores, Maria was employed here in the local textile industry for many years – retiring in 1999 – and was a member of the International Ladies Garment Workers Union. An accomplished seamstress, she enjoyed making her own clothing.

Maria loved to read, travel, play piano, and spend time with her nieces and great-nieces/nephews.

She is survived by: five nieces, Eusebia Sousa, Marilia Furtado, Suzette DeCastro, Dora Garcia, and Katherine Amorella; goddaughter, Susanne Leandro; and many great-nieces and great-nephews. Maria was predeceased by her sister, Luisa Garcia, and her niece, Evelina DaRosa.

The family acknowledges the staff at Catholic Memorial Home with grateful appreciation for the excellent care given Maria over the past three years.

Her Funeral Mass was celebrated on Monday, August 10th, in Espirito Santo Church followed by her committal at Notre Dame Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Maria’s memory to Catholic Memorial Home, Diocesan Health Facilities, Attn: Chief Financial Officer, 368 North Main St, Fall River, MA 02720; 508-679-8154; https://www.dhfo.org/donate/.

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!