Maria Lurdes (Raminhos) Santos

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Maria Lurdes (Raminhos) Santos, age 71, of Dartmouth, MA, who left this world on Thursday, June 12, 2025, at Rhode Island Hospital, surrounded by the love of her family.

Born on August 12, 1953, in Figueira da Foz, Portugal, she was the beloved daughter of the late Domingos Raminhos and Estrela (Cajão) Raminhos. Her journey brought her to the United States, where she devoted herself to her family.

Maria began working at the early age of 8 years old in Portugal and immigrated to the United States at 18 years of age. Maria dedicated her time as a homemaker to nurturing her children, encouraging their creativity and dreams, while always reminding them of the importance of education. She traveled to all the college tours that her children wanted to visit. Maria took care of all three of her grandchildren while her daughters were at work. There was a special sparkle in Maria’s eyes whenever she saw them. As a devoted grandmother, she cherished every moment spent with her grandchildren. In her eyes, those moments together were priceless treasures. Maria enjoyed spending her mornings taking her grandchildren out for breakfast and enjoying her afternoon coffee with her friends. Her children were her pride, but her grandchildren truly lit up her world. She poured her energy, her laughter, and her strength into their lives, becoming a second mother, a safe space, and a guiding light for them. Maria could always be found at sporting events, dance recitals, or school activities in her grandchildren’s lives. Her legacy will live on in the values she instilled and the love she shared so freely.

Maria is survived by her children, Milena Couto and her husband, Steven Couto; Lexandre Santos; and Marcia Santos. She took great pride in being a grandmother to her grandchildren, Tristan Almeida, Mariah Couto, and Malia Couto. She also leaves behind her sister Idalina, and brother-in-law, Antonio Gravato, and nephews Renato Gravato and his wife, Elizabeth; Dario Gravato; and Jacob Gravato, along with several nieces. While she will be greatly missed by both her immediate and extended family, we find comfort in knowing that though her years were too few, her love was limitless.

Maria's visiting hours and funeral services will be held on Tuesday, June 17, 2025. Visiting hours will take place from 8:30 A.M. to 10:30 A.M. and will be followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at St. Julie Billiart Church at 11:00 A.M. Burial is Private.

Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Perry Funeral Home, 111 Dartmouth Street, New Bedford.