Maria R. (Santos) Mota

Maria R. (Santos) Mota, age 71, of Dartmouth, Massachusetts, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, at St. Luke’s Hospital. She was surrounded by the love and care of her family during her final moments. Maria was the cherished wife of Mario M. Mota, a devoted partner whose companionship and support were a significant part of her life.

Born on July 5, 1954, in Ajuda da Bretanha, Sao Miguel, Azores, Maria was the beloved daughter of the late Jose Santos and Maria Rosa (Cabral) Santos. Throughout her life, she carried with her the rich heritage of her Azorean roots. Maria dedicated many years working on the floor for a local textile manufacturer, contributing her skills and diligence to the community she called home.

Maria will be remembered for her gentle spirit, unwavering devotion to family, and the quiet strength she exhibited throughout her life. Her legacy lives on through the family she cared for and loved. She enjoyed vacationing, gardening and spending time with her family.

Maria's family was central to her life. She is lovingly survived by her husband, Mario M. Mota; her treasured daughters, Debra Amaral and her husband Michael, and Maggie Gray and her husband Chad. The joy she found in her grandchildren, Abigail Amaral, Jessica Amaral, Mason Gray, and Alannah Gray was evident to all who knew her. She is also survived by her siblings, Jose Maria Santos, Alberto Santos, and Nazare Mendes.

She was predeceased by her siblings Tiberio Santos and Antonio Santos, whose memories remain in the hearts of those who loved them.

Family and friends are invited to pay their respects during the visiting hours on Monday, May 18, 2026, at Perry Funeral Home from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM. Her funeral service will take place on Tuesday morning, beginning in the funeral home at 10:30 AM, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church at 11:30 AM. Interment will immediately follow in Rural Cemetery, providing a dignified and respectful closure to a life well lived.

Perry Funeral Home, located at 111 Dartmouth Street, New Bedford, MA, has been entrusted with the arrangements. The facility is thoughtfully equipped with a lighted parking lot and a handicap-accessible ramp and entrance to ensure the comfort and convenience of all attendees.