Maria C. Santos

Maria C. Santos, age 87, of New Bedford, Massachusetts, passed away on Sunday, July 5, 2026, at St. Luke’s Hospital, surrounded by the love of her family. She was the beloved wife of the late John M. Santos.

Born on April 14, 1939 in Porto, Portugal, Maria was the cherished daughter of the late Jose Peres and Preciosa Rodrigues da Silva. She moved to the United States in 1974, where she moved to Worcester, Massachusetts and ultimately settled in New Bedford, Massachusetts to be a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother to her family throughout the years.

Maria found joy in cooking delicious meals for those she loved, tending to her garden, spending peaceful days at the beach, and most of all, cherishing time with her family and friends. She leaves behind countless treasured memories that will live in the hearts of all who knew her. She will be deeply missed and remembered always.

Maria is survived by her children, José M. Santos, Rui Santos and his wife, Maria, and Paula Freitas and her husband, Carlos; grandchildren Barbara Santos and her husband, Rui, Marta Santos and her husband, Ricardo, Alexander Santos and his wife Connie, Jeffrey Santos and his wife, Ashley, Isabella Freitas, Savannah Freitas, and Noah Freitas; and great-grandchildren Francisca, Alice, Beatriz, Alexios, Olivia, and Jameson.

Maria’s visiting hours will be held on Wednesday, July 8, 2026 at Perry Funeral Home from 6:00PM – 8:00PM. Her funeral will take place Thursday morning with a Mass of Christian Burial at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church at 10:00 AM. All attendees are kindly asked to meet directly at the church. Burial will immediately follow in Rural Cemetery.

Arrangements are by Perry Funeral Home, 111 Dartmouth Street, New Bedford, MA, which provides convenient facilities including a lighted parking lot and wheelchair access for attendees.