Maria Costa Alves was born in Cape Verde on the island of Brava, on November 2nd, 1933. Her mother Candida Alves, was an American citizen, born in the United States, but raised in Brava. There she married John Alexandre Costa and had two children, Maria Costa and Eugene João DaCosta. Later, Maria’s mother would return to the United States and sent for her children, in order for them to have better lives in America.

Maria married Viriato Alves in Cape Verde in 1955; they had three sons, Oliver, Jose “Joe”, and John Alves. They then migrated to Angola Africa, due to drought and lack of opportunity in Cape Verde. In 1963, while still in Angola, Maria gave birth to their first daughter, Candida Alves. They lived in Africa until 1968, where Maria would then leave to join her mother and brother in the United States, in order to clear a path for her family to follow...

In 1969, having established a foothold in America, Maria would send for and be reunited with her family. The following year, Maria and Viriato would welcome their second daughter, Jeannie Alves, followed in 1972 by a third daughter, Ann Marie Alves. With the family complete, Maria, Viriato and their six children would begin their American journey in a small tenement apartment, in New Bedford, MA. Ever in search of better job opportunities, the family would relocate to Pawtucket, RI and shortly thereafter, ultimately settle in the capital city of Providence, to raise their family.

For the last decade of her life, Maria has resided at Steere House Nursing Home, where she survived two bouts with Covid, before succumbing to unrelated illnesses. A special thanks to the Steere House Staff, for taking exceptional care of her throughout the years.

Although Maria would spend the rest of her life in “Rhode” Island, her heart belonged to the Ilha de Brava! She would instill this feeling of “Sodade” in her family through its rich culture, of music, dance, food, and traditions. In addition to these blessings, Maria will be remembered in the hearts of generations, for her contagious laughter, her giving spirit, and her love of family!

Thank You MaMai!

As Maria and Viriato’s family grew, so did the size of their family!


Welcoming in-laws:
Zulmira Alves, Louise Alves, Mary Alves, Steven Santos, Skip Dorsey and Domingo Monteiro.

Grandchildren:
John and Deanna Alves, Jennifer, Jose “Joey” and David Alves, Christopher, Ryan and Kaitlyn Alves, Steven and Aaron Santos, Marisa Alves, Gian and Jason Monteiro, Jerin Alves.

Great grandchildren:
Jaliyah Alves, Kalia Alves, Sharai Polanco, and Tolynd Valdelamar Brody, Caden, Bella and Maise Alves, Lennides and Khaleesi Alves, Tenaia Santos, Fabian and Lucia Mota, Imaiah Alves Campos, I’Lannie Alves and Zavien Campos

Maria also leaves behind many beloved nieces and nephews.

Calling Hours will be on Sunday, December 11th, from 2 pm - 5 pm, at Keefe Funeral Home - 5 Higginson Ave Lincoln, RI.

Funeral Services will be on Monday, December 12th, starting at 8:30 am, at Keefe Funeral Home in Lincoln, RI. Church services will follow at Holy Name Church at 10 am - 107 Camp St. Providence, RI., immediately followed by the burial at Gate of Heaven Cemetery - 550 Wampanoag Trail Riverside, RI.

Following all services, please join our family for a repast in Maria’s memory, at the Riviera Restaurant - 580 N. Broadway East Providence, RI.

In lieu of flowers, the family humbly asks that donations be made out to Steere House Nursing and Rehabilitation Center (Nursing Home) - 100 Borden St. Providence, RI.