Maria Lopes Candeias, age 93, of Pawtucket, RI, passed away peacefully on March 26, 2025, at the Philip Hulitar Hospice Center in Providence, RI, surrounded by her loving family.

Maria was born in Terceira, Azores, to Angelo and Palmira Lopes. She was a devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, whose life was defined by her love for her family and her faith. Maria worked for over 20 years at International Packaging, where she was known for her strong work ethic and dedication.

A woman of deep faith, Maria found joy in attending daily Mass at St. Anthony's Church, where she cherished her community. Her love for gardening, cooking, and caring for her grandchildren were just a few of the ways she shared her warmth and kindness with those around her. Maria took great pride in preparing meals for her large family, always ensuring there was enough to feed everyone who gathered at her table.

Maria was predeceased by her beloved husband Domingos, who passed away many years ago. She is survived by her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and a large extended family who will forever carry her memory in their hearts.

Maria’s family will forever remember her as a woman of unwavering faith, immense love, and boundless generosity. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

Maria is survived by her eight loving children: Maria Soares and her husband Frank of North Providence, RI; Irene Ramos of Cumberland, RI (the late Ed Ramos); Joe Candeias and his wife Thelma of Pawtucket, RI; Tony Candeias and his wife Debbie of Cumberland, RI; Margaret Souza and her husband Gerry of Pawtucket, RI; Fatima Pelicano and her fiancé Richard Oliveira of Chepachet, RI; Dimas Candeias and his wife Laurie of North Providence, RI; and Elizabeth Fasteson and her husband Ted of Seekonk, MA. She also leaves behind her beloved siblings, Rosa Gouveia and her husband Manuel of Cumberland, RI, and Jesuina Costa and her husband Elmiro of Terceira, Azores. Maria was a proud grandmother of 18 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren, along with countless extended family members.

She was preceded in death by her late husband, Domingos Candeias, and siblings Jose & Luis Lopes of Brazil, Antonio Lopes of Terceira, Azores, and Jubelina Costa of Terceira, Azores.

Funeral services will be held at St. Anthony’s Church, 32 Lawn Avenue, Pawtucket, RI, on Tuesday, April 1, 2025, at 10:00 AM. Burial will follow at Notre Dame Cemetery, 359 Daggett Avenue, Pawtucket, RI. Visitation will be held at Keefe Funeral Home, 5 Higginson Avenue, Lincoln, RI, on Monday, March 31, 2025, from 4-7 PM.

The family wishes to extend their deepest gratitude to the Philip Hulitar Hospice Center in Providence, RI, for their unwavering support and dedication during this difficult time. Maria’s memory will be cherished by all who knew her, and she will be deeply missed.