Maria, 88 years young of Terceira, Azores, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family on September 7, 2020 in Hollister, CA

Maria will be deeply missed by her family and friends. She was a loving, strong, funny, and wise woman. She was in constant motion finding multiple activities to keep herself occupied and productive. Maria loved life and the large beautiful family she built. Maria could be frequently found enjoying parties, outings, family get togethers, crocheting, traveling, card and Bunco games, Portuguese events and the senior citizen centers of Gilroy and Hollister.

Maria was born in Terceira, Azores the youngest of 7 children. She married at the age of 19 to the late Jose D. Faria. The first half of her life was spent in Terceira where she raised her 8 children. Maria was a busy homemaker during a time where the amenities of modern life did not exist. She was organized and resourceful, making do with what she had. After many of her adult children immigrated to the United States, she and the rest of her family joined them in Gilroy in 1987. Here, she continued her passion for caretaking by tending to the elderly. She was a proud member of Saint Mary's Parish in Gilroy, Irmandade Fraternal do Espirito Santo and Lady of Fatima in Gilroy and Nossa Sehora dos Milagres in Gustine. A devoted catholic; she attended mass faithfully regardless of which language mass was delivered in. Never losing the connection to her homeland and "para matar saudades" she frequently travelled back to her beloved Terceira.

Maria left behind a legacy. She is survived by her 8 children: Jose E Faria, Eduino Miguel Faria, Edite Toste, Antonio Faria, Ernesto Faria, Ivone Branquinho, Zelia Faria Costa, Carla Faria and their respective spouses, 22 grandchildren, 25 great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

Maria will be profoundly missed and forever remembered by her infectious smile and laughter, her good nature, her generosity and the love for her family.

Due to the current Public Health Order and the size of the family, private services in her honor will be held on September 14, 2020 at Saint Mary's Parish in Gilroy.