Maria Jesus (Silva) Sousa, 55, of 97 Orchard St., died surrounded by her family, Thursday, Oct. 31, 2013 at RI Hospital, according to Rebello Funeral Home.
Born Sept. 3, 1958, in Sao Miguel, Azores, she was a daughter of the late Manuel Borges DaSilva and Maria do Carmo Pacheco Canejo of Ribeira Grande, Azores.
She leaves her children, Michael S. Sousa and his wife Diane, Anna M. Sousa and Cathy Sousa all of East Providence; her grandchildren, Mikayla, Michael, Aydan, Ariana and Joseph; and her loving companion Jose Pires. She was also the sister of Manuel DaSantos Pacheco DaSilva of Canada, Duarte Pacheco Canejo of Portugal, Jose Antonio Pacheco Canejo of the Azores, Fernando Canejo Silva of the Azores, Mario Jorge DaSilva of Canada, Maria do Rosario Silva Furtado of the Azores, Mariano DaSilva of Canada and Gilberto Canejo Silva of the Azores; and many nieces and nephews. Her former husband, Jose Leite Sousa preceded her in death.
She was a faithful communicant of St. Francis Xavier Church and had a deep commitment to the Portuguese faith traditions. Maria was a devoted mother and grandmother, who enjoyed caring for everyone who was in need or near to her. She was a dedicated employee of the RI Hospital for 26 years.
Her funeral was Friday morning at the Rebello Funeral Home and Crematory, 901 Broadway, East Providence. Burial followed at the Gate of Heaven Cemetery.
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