Maria Alice Barros Bala
September 7, 1937 - March 19, 2024

With great love and profound respect, we announce the passing of Maria Alice Barros Bala, our matriarch and guiding light, at the age of 86. Maria entered into eternal life peacefully on the evening of March 19, 2024, in the warmth of her family’s presence in Providence, Rhode Island.

Born on September 7, 1937, in Brava, Cabo Verde, she was the cherished daughter of Alice De Pina.

At 16, Maria embarked on a perilous journey from Cabo Verde to Senegal, West Africa, by sailboat. She quickly adapted to her new life, language, and culture. It was there she met and married Lucidio Faria Bala with whom they had three children Alfredo, Olivier and Robert. She began a career in the dry cleaning industry where she flourished, eventually becoming store manager.

In 1977, Maria made the brave decision to immigrate to the United States, seeking a better future for her family. In Rhode Island, she worked in jewelry factories for over 40 years, dedicating herself to realizing the American Dream for her three sons: Alfredo (Fefe) Bala, CEO of a Texas-based global publicly traded company; Reverend Dr. Olivier (Vivi) Bala, Senior Pastor of a multi-ethnic church in Rhode Island; and Dr. Robert Bala, MD, a family physician in Florida.

Maria's passions were her faith and her exceptional culinary skills. She knew how to feed a crowd, even if there were only four people at the table. For over two decades, she led a home Bible study group from Mount Hope Community Baptist Church, where she was a devout member.

Maria enjoyed gardening, and had a love for flowers, especially yellow flowers, her favorite color.

She is remembered for her incredible hospitality, service to her community, wisdom, and strong empathy which she generously shared.

Maria is survived by her six siblings: Elsie Gonsalves, Matilda Ribeiro, Matilda Lopes, Manuel De Barros, John De Barros, and Louise De Barros; her three sons; seven grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.

Maria Alice Barros Bala, our beloved Mama Bala, Vovo, Eia, Tata, has completed her earthly journey and has been lovingly ushered into the next. Throughout her life, Mama Bala was a beacon of indomitable spirit and faith. In her final days, even from the quiet of an intensive care unit, her hope and gratitude never faltered.

Mama Bala's conviction in a heavenly home provided comfort and courage, not just to her but to all who knew her. It is not goodbye we bid to her, but rather a promise of reunion. Her spirit lives on in the memories we cherish and the lives she has profoundly touched.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to you all—family, friends, and kindred spirits—for the waves of love and prayers that have cradled us in this time of transition. Your presence, whether in thought, spirit, or through messages and calls, has been a bastion of support.

Mama Bala's life was a testament to the power of faith and the strength of the human spirit. As we gather to honor her memory, let's embrace her legacy of love, courage, and unwavering faith.

With hearts heavy yet filled with gratitude,

Alfredo, Olivier, Robert, and the Bala and De Barros families



Funeral Arrangements:

Visitation and Viewing: March 25th, 4-8 PM EST, Mount Hope Community Baptist Church, 734 Hope St, Providence, RI 02906.

Celebration of Life Service: March 26th, 11 AM to 1 PM EST, Mount Hope Community Baptist Church.

***The service will be live-streamed for those unable to attend.

Interment: Swan Point Cemetery, 585 Blackstone Blvd, Providence, RI 02906, 1-2 PM EST.
Flowers are respectfully omitted. Memorial gifts in her memory may be made to her beloved church Mount Hope Community Baptist Church or MHCBC.

For those wishing to honor her with floral tributes, Imondi Florists is handling most arrangements. https://imondiflorists.com/