Maria Dos Anjos (Justa) Branco

Maria Dos Anjos Justa Branco, 83, passed away peacefully at home in Lincoln, Rhode Island, on Sunday, June 7, 2026. She was the beloved wife of the late Virgilio Cabral Branco.
Born in Povoação, São Miguel, Azores, Portugal, she was the daughter of the late Manuel Amaral Justa and Angelina Peixoto Justa.

Maria was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend whose greatest joy in life was her family. Loving, caring, and selfless, she always put the needs of others before her own. She immigrated to New England with Virgilio and their two young daughters in 1974. They settled in East Providence, where together they transformed a small green house into a warm and welcoming home filled with love, laughter, and family traditions.

Maria was an exceptional cook and baker. She could quickly prepare a batch of homemade bread or sweet bread, not for herself, but to share with family and friends. She found happiness in feeding others and making sure everyone felt welcome. Her warm smile, kind heart, and generous spirit left a lasting impression on everyone who knew her.

She was a wonderful mother and grandmother who took immense pride in her family. Her children and grandchildren could always count on her unconditional love, support, honesty, and encouragement. She was known for her welcoming nature, her sense of humor, and her ability to make everyone feel at home. Her beautiful smile could brighten any room, and her love will continue to be felt by those fortunate enough to have known her.

She is survived by her daughters, Helena Bradley and her husband, Howard R. Bradley Jr., of Lincoln, Rhode Island; Ana Patricia Cativo and her husband, Carlos Cativo, of Riverside, Rhode Island; and Lauriene Taylor and her husband, Charles Taylor, of Tewksbury Township, New Jersey.

In addition to her daughters, she is survived by her grandchildren, Howard R. Bradley III and his wife, Natalie; Alyssa Cativo Bradley and her husband, Devon; Matthew Taylor; Claudia Taylor, Sara Taylor, great-grandson, Caden Cativo Bradley and many nieces and nephews whom she all loved dearly.

She is also survived by her sister, Maria C. Torres of East Providence, and her brother, Manuel Justa of São Miguel, Azores. She was predeceased by her brothers and sister Dorvalino Amaral, José Justa, Maria Celia Teixeira, and Alfredo Justa.

Her funeral will be held on Saturday June 13, 2026, at 8:30am from the REBELLO FUNERAL HOME, 901 Broadway, East Providence, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00am in Our Lady of the Rosary Church, 21 Traverse Street, Providence.

Burial will follow in Gate of Heaven Cemetery, 550 Wampanoag Trail, East Providence.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend. Calling hours are Saturday MORNING from 8:30-9:30am in the funeral home.  www.rebellofuneralhomes.com

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