Maria (Resendes) Botelho, 87, passed away on Wednesday, October 17, 2018, at Sarah S. Brayton Nursing Care Center. She was the widow of Joao C Botelho, with whom she had enjoyed 59 years of marriage prior to his passing in 2009.

Born in Agua Retorta, St. Michael, Azores, a daughter of the late Manuel J. Resendes and the late Alexandrina (Resendes) Resendes, she emigrated to Fall River in 1966. A devout Catholic, Maria was extremely religious. She enjoyed cooking and caring for family, and especially loved her grandchildren.

She is survived by: nine children, Laurinda Resendes (husband Jorge) of St. Michael, Azores, Jorgelina Cote (long-time companion, Arthur Rezendes) of Fall River, Juliet Silva (husband Joseph) of Somerset, Peggy Clymer (husband William) of Lakeville, Bella Luddy (husband James) of Swansea, Joseph Botelho (wife Maria) of Fairhaven, Lee Souza of Fall River, George Botelho (wife Christine) of Tiverton, and Robert Botelho of Fall River; two siblings, Maria da Lima and Ernesto Resendes both of Fall River; sixteen grandchildren, Paulo Resendes, Ricardo Resendes, Marco Resendes, Kathleen Sanders, Michael Cote, Scott Silva, Brian Silva, Joseph Botelho, Jason Botelho, Tracy Torres, Timothy Torres, Joseph Botelho, Lori Botelho, Megan Souza, Chelsea Mello, and Ian Botelho; twenty-seven great grandchildren, plus one soon to be born; seven great, great grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

She was also the mother of the late Maria C Botelho; and a sister of the late Luis Resendes and the late Maria Estrela Tavares.

Her Funeral Mass was celebrated on Tuesday, October 23rd, in St. Anthony of Padua Church followed by her committal at St. Patrick Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, kindly consider making a donation in Maria's memory by: mail, to the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, P.O. Box 1000, Dept. 142, Memphis TN 38148-0142; via telephone, 800-873-6983 ; or online at donors@stjude.org