Maria Moura (Sousa) Paiva, 77, returned to her heavenly home on April 23, 2022, after a long battle with interstitial lung disease. Her devotion to her family and firm belief in God supported her in her struggle and ultimately gave her peace.

Maria was born to the late Bernardina Moura and Manual Soares Sousa on April19, 1945. She married her best friend, Antonio Paiva, in February 1964. The couple immigrated to the US in 1968 where they raised their only daughter, Fatima (Paiva) Braga. Maria worked as a seamstress and all of her free time was spent with her grandchildren, David and Alicia. Maria and Antonio retired back to Santa Maria in 2000 where she enjoyed spending time in Sao Lourenco, entertaining and cooking for large crowds.

Maria was kind, selfless, and passionate about family. She is dearly missed by her loved ones who celebrate the fact that she is now at peace.

Maria is survived by her Husband, Antonio Paiva; her daughter, Fatima Braga; her grandson David Braga and wife Jessica, and granddaughter Alicia Meiler and husband Hyden; and her half-brother, Jose Moreira. She is preceded in death by her son-in-law Silvino Braga and brother Jose Moura Sousa.

Visitation at the Rogers Funeral Home, 380 Cambridge Street in Cambridge, on Wednesday, April 27, 2022, from 9:00 to 10:30 am.

Funeral Mass to follow at St. Anthony’s Church, 400 Cardinal Medeiros Avenue in Cambridge at 11:00 am.

Interment will be at the Calvary Cemetery in Winchester.