Maria Teresa Mota, age 89, widow of Augusto M. Mota, passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family on Wednesday, November 12, 2025. Born in St. Michael, Azores, she was a daughter of the late Manuel Ferreira Da Costa and the late Maria Rosario (Costa) Ferreira Da Costa. The "puzzle piece" that held her family together, Maria Teresa lived a life filled with faith, love, and devotion.

A deeply religious woman of God, she found strength and joy in her faith, always praying for others and offering kindness to everyone she met. Her heart was as generous as her table, as she had a true passion for cooking and never rested until everyone was well-fed and cared for. Her warmth could be felt in every meal she prepared and every embrace she shared.

Maria Teresa also took great pride in her appearance, keeping herself beautiful, enjoying having her hair and nails done – always radiating elegance and dignity with a smile that made everyone feel at home.

Maria Teresa's legacy of love, faith, and generosity will continue to live on through all those whose lives she touched. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered. Her family was her greatest treasure — her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren were her world, and she cherished every moment spent with them.

A devoted mother, she is survived by eight children, Eduardo Mota (Ann Carreiro) of Fall River, Filomena Metade (Joao) of Dartmouth, Joao Mota (Grace) of Bermuda, Luis Mota (Cidalia Costa) of Fall River, David Mota (Gabriela) of Fall River, Augusto Mota (Debra) of Fall River, Arsenio Mota of Fall River, and Maria Boleates (Milton) of Fall River. She is reunited in heaven with her beloved children Lúcia, Teresa, and Emmanuel, who all passed away very young, and her one precious angel lost to miscarriage.

Her love continues to live on through: her sixteen grandchildren whom she cherished, Mark Metade, John Paul Metade, Marco Mota, Eddy Mota Jr, Janet Mota, Matthew Mota, Kathleen Mota, Chloe Mota, Johnny Mota, Jennifer Mota, Jeffrey Mota, Eric Mota, Aliya Mota, Christian Mota, Bianca Mota, and Milton Boleates Jr; and her eight great grandchildren whom she adored, Mark Anthony, Melody, Jaydah, Rylie, Laylah, Ella-Rose, Juliana, and Leo.

Maria Teresa leaves five siblings, Manuel Carlos, Jose Maria, Virginia Ferreira, Fatima Sousa, and Maria dos Anjos Botelho; and was predeceased by two siblings, Joao Ferreira and Maria Rosarinha. She was also predeceased by her daughter-in-law, Lucinda Mota, whom she loved.

Maria Teresa's life was a blessing, her memory a treasure. She was loved beyond words and will be missed beyond measure.

Her Funeral Mass was celebrated on Monday, November 17th, in Espirito Santo 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 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!