Maria Socorro 'Coco' (Rivas) Vertefeuille

Fairhaven - Maria Socorro (Rivas) Vertefeuille, aged 69, residing in Fairhaven, MA passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Saturday, September 10th after a courageous battle with cancer.

Maria, or Coco, as she was known by family and friends, was born on August 16, 1953 in Durango, Mexico. Coco immigrated to the New Bedford, MA in 1980 with her then four-year-old son, seventy dollars, and would on to live the American Dream. She worked at Riverside Mfg for almost fifteen years, became a homeowner, and eventually retired in Boynton Beach, FL before returning to Fairhaven in 2014.

In 1981 Coco married the love of her life, the late John E Vertefeuille (2014), in New Bedford, MA. Coco and John enjoyed family vacations with their son to New Hampshire, camping trips, and motorcycle rides throughout New England. Family and close friends was important to Coco and spent as much time with them as possible.

Coco is survived by her son, Ricardo Romero and grandson, Michael Romero of Saint Augustine, FL. In addition, Coco is survived by two stepdaughters, Jackie Grajales-Vertefeuille and Phyliss Vertefeuille, two step-sons, John Vertefeuille and Chris Frates, half-son/daughter Joanna Romero and Philip Romero. Coco is also survived by her niece Debby and her husband, Michael Couto, whom she deeply cared for. Lastly, Coco is also survived by four grandchildren, including her grand-daughter Maleah Santos, eight great grandchildren, as well as nieces and nephews in Massachusetts, Florida, Texas, and Arizona.

A celebration of life with family and friends will be held on Sunday, September 25th at McGann Terrace in Fairhaven, MA from 12:00 P.M. – 1:30 P.M.

Arrangements were placed in the care of Perry Funeral Home, 111 Dartmouth Street, New Bedford, Ma. 02740. Please see our website: www.perryfuneral.com for details on services.