Maria Lurdes Aguiar Melo Viveiros

Maria Lurdes Aguiar Melo Viveiros, 87, of East Providence, passed away peacefully on Sunday, August 11, 2024, at the Miriam Hospital in Providence, RI, surrounded by her loving family. She was the beloved wife of the late Antonio Furtado De Viveiros.

Born on July 15, 1937, in São Miguel, Açores. Maria was the cherished daughter of the late Joaquim De Sousa Melo and Maria De Lourdes Aguiar. She spent her early years in São Miguel, where she worked as an embroidery teacher for the Singer company, earning numerous awards and recognitions. Maria’s embroidery art decorated various churches, especially at the church in Santo Antonio, Açores who she treasured as a patron saint.

In 1969, Maria emigrated to the United States, where she continued her career as a seamstress at Health-Tex Company, dedicating over twenty years until her retirement in 1994 to care for her mother. A devout Catholic, Maria was an active parishioner at Saint Francis Xavier Church in East Providence and also attended Sacred Heart Church. Her faith remained a cornerstone of her life, and she was well-known for her involvement with the parish events in particular with the malassadas.

Maria loved to travel with her family. An exceptional cook and baker, Maria delighted in preparing her famous desserts, especially for her adored grandchildren. Her guilty pleasures included McDonald's hamburgers and ice cream, reflecting her sweet and joyful spirit.

In her leisure time, Maria enjoyed crocheting and gardening, tending to her vibrant hydrangeas with a green thumb that never failed to impress. Her home was the heart of her family, and she took immense pride in caring for her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, who were her greatest joy.

Maria is survived by her daughters, Maria Lurdes Branco and her husband Rui of Seekonk, and Linda Fatima Arruda and her husband Flavio of Westport. She was the mother of the late Maria Otilia Aguiar.  She was the mother-in-law of José Aguiar of Seekonk.

She also leaves behind her cherished grandchildren: Brian Aguiar, Alex Branco, Meghan Aguiar, Aaron Branco, Cameron Arruda, Andrew Branco, Nicholas Aguiar, Alessandra Arruda, and Caleb Arruda. as well as her great-grandchildren, Adam and Luke Aguiar.

Maria is also survived by her siblings, Maria Otilia Ochoa of Rowley, Maria Celeste Raposo of East Providence, and José Melo of East Providence. She was predeceased by her brother, Joaquim Melo.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend Maria’s funeral on Friday, August 16, 2024, at 9:00 AM from the REBELLO FUNERAL HOME, 901 Broadway, East Providence, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 AM in Saint Francis Xavier Church, 81 North Carpenter Street, East Providence. Maria will be laid to rest alongside her beloved husband, Antonio, at Gate of Heaven Cemetery, 550 Wampanoag Trail, Riverside. Visitation will be held in the funeral home on Thursday, August 15, 2024, from 5:00 to 8:00 PM.

Donations made to the family will be given to: Food for the Poor, RISE Rwanda and Saint Francis Xavier CYO.

www.rebellofuneralhome.com
 

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