Maria de Jesus (Sousa) Couto

Maria de Jesus (Sousa) Couto, age 82, of North Dartmouth, passed away peacefully on Thursday, November 6, 2025, at Nemasket Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center, surrounded by her loving family. Maria was the beloved wife of Jose Manuel Couto, with whom she shared a life filled with love, devotion, and cherished memories. She received compassionate care from the staff at Nemasket, who provided comfort and support to her and her family during her final days.

Born on July 2, 1943, in Água de Pau, São Miguel, Azores, Maria was the cherished daughter of the late Baltazar Sousa and Maria de Jesus (Tavares) Sousa. Throughout her life, she exemplified dedication and kindness, spending many years employed at Little People’s College until her retirement, where she left behind fond memories for those whose lives she touched. When visiting her hometown of Água de Pau, she would often buy ice cream for the children playing in the town center, a small gesture that reflected her generous heart and love for her community.

Maria is survived by her two loving daughters, Suzy Cabral and her husband Paul Cabral, and Debby Couto Monroe and her husband Craig Monroe.

She was a proud and adoring grandmother to Alexander J. Cabral and David Gonzalez Gutierrez, Nicholas Cabral and his wife Kelsey (Liversidge) Cabral, Victoria (Cabral) Cleaves and her husband Chad Cleaves, Sabrina (Cabral) Mooney and her husband Patrick Mooney, and Morgan Monroe and Joshua Monroe, all of whom brought immense joy and pride to her life.

Maria is also survived by her beloved sisters: Fernanda De Sousa Moreira and her husband Dinarte Moreira of Canada, Maria da Conceição Tavares Sousa Patrício and her husband José Humberto Costa Patrício of the Azores, and Aldina De Sousa Gagné and her husband Raymond Gagné of Canada.

She also leaves behind many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends who will miss her deeply.

Maria will forever be remembered for her warmth, gentle spirit, and the unconditional love she shared with her family and everyone she met. Her legacy of faith, compassion, and strength will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.

Visiting hours for Maria will be held on Sunday, November 16, 2025, from 2:00 P.M. to 5:00 P.M. at Perry Funeral Home, 111 Dartmouth Street, New Bedford, MA. Her funeral will take place on Monday morning, beginning at the funeral home at 9:00 A.M., followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at St. Julie Billiart Church at 10:00 A.M. Burial will be private.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Perry Funeral Home, 111 Dartmouth Street, New Bedford, MA.