It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Maria Luis, beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend. She went home to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on September 13, 2025, at the age of 91, surrounded by the love of her family.
Born on September 4, 1934, in Mértola, Portugal, Maria emigrated to the United States in 1980 to begin a new life with her family and children. She lived a life marked by faith, generosity, and love. Known affectionately as “Avo,” she devoted her days to caring for her family—always giving her heart, her time, and her care. She filled her home with the aroma of fresh coffee and warm bread and cheese, told stories to her grandchildren, and delighted in surprising them with small gifts and treats.
Her grandchildren David and Raquel were by her side from the day they were born until the day she passed. She cared for them through their childhood, and they, in turn, lovingly cared for her in her later years.
She will be remembered for her signature braided hair bun, her warm smile, and her unwavering strength. She lived out the words of Psalm 23: “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.” Her faith was her anchor, her joy was her family, and her heart belonged to Jesus.
Maria was predeceased by her first daughter, Paulina, and her brother, Vitorino. She is survived by her children Maria Lurdes, Anabela, Zicia, Helena, Irene, and Carlos; her son-in-law Rafael; her grandchildren Raquel, David, Daniel, Matthew, Melanie, Amanda, and Faith; and her siblings Maria Mattos, her twin brother Andre Luis and his wife Elisa, and Jose Luis.
Though her family grieves her absence on earth, they rejoice in knowing she is now fully alive in the presence of Jesus.
Her legacy is one of faith, love, and joy in the Lord. We find comfort in knowing that “to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord” (2 Corinthians 5:8).