Maria Pires, 97, of Fall River, wife of the late Artur Pires, passed away Friday after a long illness. Born in St. Michael, Azores, daughter of the late Manuel and Rose (deOliveira) Raposo. Maria worked in the local garment industry for many years. She was a very talented seamstress and loved to garden. Maria also enjoyed traveling, visiting such places as Brazil, Lisbon, and Canada.  A truly devoted mother and grandmother, Maria's family was her life. She is survived by her two daughters, Rose Marie Knarr (husband-Paul) of Westport and Natalie Marie Paiva (husband-Joe) of Berkley. She also leaves 7 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren. She was the mother of the late John Pires and Artur M. Pires. Her Funeral Mass was celebrated on Tuesday, September 27th, in St. Anthony of Padua Church followed by her committal at Notre Dame Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation her memory to Beacon Hospice, 182 N. Main St., Fall River, MA 02720.