76, passed on May 9th. She was the former wife of Fortunato Pires.
Born in Brava, Cape Verde, Maria was a daughter of late Pedro and Silvana (Serena) Baptista.
She had been employed in the Textile Industry for many years in the Pawtucket area. She dedicated her life to help others via numerous charity and church involvements. She was an active choir member at Immaculant Heart of Mary Church, St. John the Baptiste and St. Anthony Church.
Maria is survived by a daughter, Silvana Monteiro and her husband Jason, a son, Jose "Joey" Pires, a grandson, Xavier Monteiro, two brothers, Manny and Carlos Baptista, four sisters, Maria Baptista, Dinora Fontes, Telma Correia, and Sr. Fibi, and several nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews.
Her funeral will be held Wednesday at 8:45am from the Keefe Funeral Home, Five Higginson Ave, Lincoln with a Mass of Christian Burial in St. Anthony Church, Lawn Ave, Pawtucket at 10am. Burial will be in Mt. St. Mary Cemetery, Pawtucket. Relatives and friends are invited. Calling hours will be held Tuesday from 5 to 8pm.