Maria Jesus Lopes 'Pais,' 92, of Fall River, God's faithful and devoted servant, entered into eternal rest on April 16, 2021.  She passed at home surrounded by her loving children. Beloved wife of the late David DaSilva Pais, she was widowed at the young age of 39. She was the mother of Teresa Constantino (husband Joe) of Cumberland, RI, Angelina Sousa (husband Lino) of Portugal, Maria Do Ceu Lopes (husband Mario) of Fall River, Constanca Domingues (late husband Jorge) of Fall River, Olivia Carreiro (husband Dennis) of Fall River, Alice Tavares (companion Clay Walters) of Fall River, Nazare Lopes (husband Tony) of Dartmouth, Elvira Lopes (husband Al) of Dartmouth, Grace Oliveira (husband Bill) of Dartmouth, Ana Pimentel (husband Louis) of Naples, FL, and Manuel Pais (wife Jerilyn ) of Warren, RI. She was also the loving mother of the late Antonio, Jose & Fernanda Pais. Also surviving her are her beautiful 31 grandchildren, 32 great grandchildren and one great-great grandchild.

Born in Penalva Do Castelo, Viseu, Portugal, a daughter of the late Antonio Lopes and the late Laura (Jesus) Lopes, she was the oldest of fourteen children (of whom only four of her younger sisters survive). She emigrated to the U.S. on September 1, 1974, with eight of her eleven children in tow, and immediately secured employment at Anderson Little Textiles in Fall River, where she worked for many years until her retirement. Her hard-working hands were never at rest.

Most important to her was her faith, her family, and leading by example. She was a devout Catholic and attended mass daily at St. Anthony of Padua Church. She was a Eucharistic Minister for many years and a member of the Holy Rosary Society. She was awarded the Marian Medal for her church devotion by Bishop O'Malley.  What she enjoyed most was spending time with her family and helping others. She had a great sense of humor and loved making people laugh with her jokes and her riddles. She loved putting smiles on people's faces. She judged no one and would welcome all into her home. Her legacy lives on as she was truly loved by her family and her community.

Her Funeral Mass was celebrated on Wednesday, April 21st, in St. Anthony of Padua Church followed by her private committal at Notre Dame Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Maria's memory to Southcoast VNA, 200 Mill Road, Suite 120, Fairhaven, MA 02719, 508-973-3200.

The family is grateful to SouthCoast VNA / Hospice staff for their compassionate services, and to Dr. Marivyl Laxer for her kind care.

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!