Maria Centeio

New Bedford – Maria (DeSousa) Centeio, age 90, of New Bedford, MA passed away on Thursday, December 28, 2023 at St. Luke’s Hospital with her loving family by her side.

Maria was born in Brava, Cape Verde to the late Eduardo DeSousa and Margarida (Goncalves) DeSousa. She had worked in the housekeeping department at St. Luke’s Hospital for many years. Maria had also been a member of the Our Lady of Assumption Ladies Guild and the Our Lady of Assumption Senior Citizen Club.

Maria is survived by her children, Irma Carlisle and her husband Lee Carlisle of New Bedford, Flora Centeio of New Bedford, Margarida Masden of Atlanta, GA and Joaquim Centeio of New Bedford; sister-in-law, Maria DeSousa; a stepdaughter, Margarita Silva and stepson, David Monteiro; 15 grandchildren; many great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren; as well as many nieces and nephews.

She is predeceased by her late husband, Miguel F. Centeio; her children, Dolores Bessant, Daniel Centeio, Jose Centeio and George Centeio; as well as her late siblings, Pelegrina DeSousa, Manuel DeSousa, Joaquim DeSousa, Joao DeSousa, Dominga Mitchell and Pedro Gomes.

In lieu of flowers, Maria's wishes were to kindly consider making a donation to Our Lady of the Assumption Church (OLOA).

Maria’s visiting hours will be held on Thursday, January 4, 2023 from 4:00 P.M. – 8:00 P.M. at Perry Funeral Home. Her funeral will take place Friday morning, beginning in the funeral home 8:00 A.M. and followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at Our Lady of Assumption at 9:00 A.M. Burial will immediately follow in St. John’s Cemetery.