Maria A. Leroy

New Bedford, MA – Maria A. (Maucabelo) Leroy, age 66, of New Bedford, MA passed away before her time from a few long-term conditions at St. Luke’s Hospital with her loving family by her side on Friday, June 14, 2024. Although her passing has been devastating to her family, they know she is now at peace in a better place and no longer in pain. We would like to think she is watching over all of us, and now has taken the role as our own “Guardian Angel”. 

Maria was born in Azores, Portugal and was the beloved daughter of the late Saul Maucabelo and Ludovina (Pacheco) Maucabelo. She came to the US when she was a young girl and settled in this area, where she worked very hard her entire life. She had been a group leader for Acushnet Company for MANY the years. She was leader of her team on the factory line and was always valued as a very hard and reliable worker wherever she worked.

She leaves behind her 2 children, son, Jacob Leroy and daughter, Jessica Figueira, both of New Bedford; her grandson, whom she raised like another “son”, Nathan Avery of New Bedford and 2 great-grandsons that she loved so much and loved seeing them, Kaden Avery and Aiden Avery of New Bedford.

She also leaves behind her sisters, Maria deJesus Vieira of Westport, Olinda Cardoso of New Bedford, Natalina Ponte -of New Bedford, Alzira Medeiros of Quincy, Beatriz Melo of Sao Miguel, Azores and Mary Macedo of Taunton, MA.

She is also survived by her beloved companion for over 30 years, Bernard “Paul” Desmarais of New Bedford. She also left behind her dog, Ruth, a German Shepherd mix, and boy did she love Ruth. She would tell her dog, “you keep me alive” and some of her last words alive were “I love you Ruth, I love you baby”.

She loved playing games on her computer and cell phone, she was always on her cell phone to pass the time, and most importantly, she loved spending time with family. Her favorite holiday was Christmas, because she got to be with her family and share memories, and her favorite part was watching the children open their gifts and the smiles on their faces. 

Maria loved her family very much. She loved watching football and the Patriots with Tom Brady, she also enjoyed watching (murder mystery shows) on Lifetime, as well as watching and participating in game shows like Wheel of Fortune and Family Feud, alongside with other family members. 

Maria’s funeral services were private.

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