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Riverside -Maria Manuela (Silva) Barbosa,80, known lovingly as Maria, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, May 27, 2026, at Waterview Villa in East Providence, surrounded by the quiet dignity and grace that reflected the life she lived. She was born on January 27, 1946, in Sao Miguel, Azores, and carried with her throughout her life the enduring values of her upbringing, including faith, devotion, and a deep commitment to family.
Maria was the beloved wife of the late Manuel J. Barbosa. She was the cherished daughter of the late Augostinho and Maria (Goncalves) Silva. She was also a devoted mother to Edward Barbosa of Riverside and Mary M. Barbosa of North Providence. Her love and guidance were a steady presence in the lives of her children, and her family remained the center of her world. She was also the dear sister of Lucy Furia of Riverside, Maria Bradley of Riverside, and Irene Almeida of East Providence. The bonds she shared with her family were strong and enduring, and her presence will be missed deeply by all who knew and loved her.
Maria lived a life marked by kindness, faith, and selflessness. She was a homemaker, and in that role she created a warm and welcoming home filled with care, stability, and love. Her life was not measured by public recognition, but by the countless quiet ways she cared for others and gave of herself. She offered comfort, strength, and encouragement to those around her, often putting the needs of others before her own. Those who were fortunate enough to know her will remember her gentle nature, her faithful heart, and the sincerity with which she approached every day.
She had lived in Riverside for over 50 years after coming from East Providence, and during those years she became a familiar and respected presence in her community. Riverside was not only her home, but also the place where she built a life rooted in devotion to family and faith. She was a parishioner of Our Lady of the Rosary Church in Providence, where she found spiritual strength and fellowship. Her faith was an important part of who she was, and it guided her through the joys and challenges of life with quiet confidence and trust.
Maria will be remembered as a woman of deep compassion and unwavering love. Her family and friends will forever cherish the memories of her gentle smile, her thoughtful ways, and the comfort she brought simply by being herself. She lived with humility and grace, and her legacy is one of devotion to those she loved most. Her life reflected the beauty of simple goodness, and the example she set will continue to live on in the hearts of her children, siblings, extended family, and all who were blessed to know her.
Though her passing leaves a profound emptiness, her memory will remain a source of comfort and strength. She leaves behind a lasting legacy of faithfulness, care, and love that will be treasured by generations to come. Maria Manuela Barbosa lived a full and meaningful life, and she will be remembered with great affection, deep respect, and enduring love.
Her funeral will be held on Friday May 29, 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 Friday MORNING from 8:30-9:30am in the funeral home.
www.rebellofuneralhomes.com
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