Maria L. Gouveia

New Bedford – Maria L. Gouveia, age 74, of New Bedford, MA passed away peacefully surrounded by family on October 28, 2024. She was the beloved wife of Dinarte Gouveia.

A devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Maria was the heart of her family and the life of the party, always with her illuminating smile and joyful spirit. 

Born in Açores, Saõ Miguel, to the late Manuel Cabral Jacinto and Maria doCarmo (Cacilhas) Jacinto. Maria dedicated her life to her family, raising her grandchildren and great-grandchildren with unwavering love and support. She is fondly remembered for giving each of them their first bath, a cherished memory that exemplifies her nurturing love. Her love was boundless, and she treated everyone with kindness and patience. 

Maria was a God-fearing woman who found strength in the Lord and joy in attending church. She was also known for her culinary skills, especially her famous oatmeal, and her relentless dedication to keeping her home clean and welcoming. A hard worker, she was always there to lend a helping hand to anyone in need. An avid shopper, Maria often returned home with treasures for her family. She offered great advice, listened with compassion, and was a steadfast prayer warrior for those she loved. Maria’s spirit and tenacity shone brightly, as she fought valiantly until the end. She leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, and cherished memories that will forever live in the hearts of her family.

Maria is survived by her children, Susana DeFreitas and her spouse Romeu DeFreitas, Helen Valardan and her spouse Pastor Carlos Valardan, Maria Frias and her spouse Paul Frias, Olga Oliveira and her partner Patrick laTouche, Breno Gouveia and his spouse Zelia Hermenegildo, Grace Walsh and her spouse Pastor Kenneth Walsh, Nelson Gouveia and his spouse Stephanie Gouveia, and Lisa Lawler and her spouse Brendan Lawler; her grandchildren, Jeremiah DeFreitas and his spouse Amanda DeFreitas, Jennifer Cicerone and her spouse David Cicerone, Johnathan Valardan, Samuel Valardan and his spouse Cristiane Valardan, Timothy Gouveia and his fiance Taynara Goncalves, Abigail Frias Clark and her spouse Cody S. Clark, Breanna Oliveira, NJ Oliveira, Brandon Gouveia and his spouse Briana Gouveia, Nicholas Gouveia and his spouse Katie Gouveia, John Walsh, Hannah Walsh, Serena Gouveia, Mason Gouveia, Asher Lawler, Adin Lawler, and Aria Lawler; as well as her great-grandchildren, Livia Rose and Ella Grace, Blake Gouveia, Drew Gouveia and Kenadie Gouveia.

Maria’s Funeral Service and Visitation Hours will be held in the funeral home Tuesday, November 5, 2024. Visitation Hours will be held from 5:00 P.M. – 8:00 P.M. with a service to be held during this time.

Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Perry Funeral Home, 111 Dartmouth Street, New Bedford.