Maria José (Bravo) Custodio

East Providence - Maria José (Bravo) Custodio, 94, known lovingly to family and friends as Maria José, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, May 5, 2026, at her home in East Providence, surrounded by her loving family.

Born on March 28, 1932, in Ribeira Seca, São Miguel, she lived a long and meaningful life marked by devotion to her family, her faith, and the many simple joys she found in caring for others. She was the beloved wife of the late António V. Custodio and the daughter of the late Augusto daSilva Bravo and Maria Rosario (DeSousa) Bravo. Maria José made her home in East Providence since December of 1967, when she came from São Miguel and began building a life rooted in hard work, faith, and family.

She worked in the housekeeping department of several banks, including Citizens Bank, for a total of more than 30 years. Through her years of service, she was known for her dedication, her quiet strength, and the pride she took in doing her work well. Her steady presence and kind nature left a lasting impression on those who knew her. She was a devoted parishioner of St. Francis Xavier Church and lived her Catholic faith with sincerity and grace. Maria José had a deep devotion to Senhor Santo Cristo, Our Lady of Fatima, and the Holy Ghost, and her faith guided her throughout her life. She was a woman of prayer, humility, and compassion, and she carried those values into everything she did. Those who knew her will remember her as loving, kind, and generous, qualities that defined the way she cared for her family and everyone around her.

Maria José found great joy in her home and garden. She enjoyed gardening and took special care of her fig tree and vegetable garden. She also loved cooking, baking, and making sweets, including sweet bread and Portuguese biscuits, which were cherished by her family. Her kitchen was often a place of warmth and comfort, filled with the aromas of traditional foods and the love she poured into every recipe. These were not only hobbies to Maria José, but expressions of her affection and devotion to the people she loved.

Above all, Maria José treasured time spent with her family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was the mother of Arminda Simas and her husband Jose of Bristol, and Antonio Custodio of East Providence. She was the grandmother of Ashley Gay and her husband Peter, Nicholas Custodio, Andrew Custodio, and Alexander Custodio. She was the great-grandmother of Rebecca Gay, Riley Gay, Tiago Custodio, Aiden Gay, and Patrick Gay. She was deeply loved by her great nieces and nephews, who affectionately called her “Tia Zezé,” a name that reflected the special place she held in their hearts.

Her family was her greatest joy, and she gave them a lifetime of love, guidance, and support. She is survived by many nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews who will remember her with affection and gratitude. She was the sister of the late Maria Tavares, Luisa Botelho, Margarida Botelho, Arminda Botelho, Ambrosina Bravo, João Bravo, José Bravo, and Augusto Bravo. Her extended family was an important part of her life, and she remained connected to them with warmth and care throughout the years.

Maria José will be remembered for her gentle spirit, her unwavering faith, and the deep love she had for her family. She lived her life with dignity, devotion, and kindness, and her memory will remain a blessing to all who were fortunate enough to know her. Her presence brought comfort and joy, and her legacy of love will continue through the many lives she touched.

Her funeral will be held on Tuesday May 12, 2026 at 8:30am from the REBELLO FUNERAL HOME,901 Broadway, East Providence, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00am in St. Francis Xavier Church, 81 North Carpenter Street, East Providence. Burial will follow in Gate of Heaven Cemetery, 550 Wampanoag Trail, East Providence.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend. Calling hours are on Monday from 4:00pm - 7:00pm, in the funeral home. www.rebellofuneralhomes.com.

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