Maria L. Melo

Maria L. (Sousa) Melo, age 56, passed away peacefully at her home in Methuen, surrounded by her family on Wednesday, February 21, 2018 after fighting a courageous battle of breast cancer.

She was born on November 23, 1961 in Feiteira on the island of Faial, Azores, Portugal to Maria Eduina (Luis) DeSousa and the late Jose’ Henrique DeSousa. Maria attended school in the Azores before immigrating to the United States in 1976 where she settled in Cambridge, MA for a short time. On June 27, 1981, she married Jose’ Antonio Melo. Together, they had lived in Lawrence, MA before residing in Methuen with their three children for the past twenty-five years. Maria and Jose’ enjoyed traveling together as well as spending time with family and friends.

Maria was a loyal associate for the past forty years at Southwick/Brooks Brothers, where she made lifelong relationships with many friends. Maria’s special interests and hobbies included dancing, going to Portuguese festivals, and hosting large family gatherings. She was always the life of the party and loved cooking and cleaning her home, as well as decorating it for every holiday even when she was very tired because of her chemo treatments. She had a very big heart and always took pleasure in helping someone in need.

In addition to her mother, Maria is survived by her devoted husband of thirty-six years, Jose’; daughter, Sonia Melo of Methuen and her fiancé, Rick Andrade of Amesbury; sons, Kenny Melo and his companion, Victoria DiGloria of Methuen and Justin Melo of Methuen; three grandchildren, Lana Medeiros, Xander Melo, and Ethan Corbett. Maria also leaves behind a sister, Alda Garcia and her husband, Carlos of Methuen; brothers, Mario Sousa, Joao Sousa; as well as her Godchildren, Dan Garcia and Diana Sousa. In addition, Maria will be missed greatly by her surviving aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and many friends.

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend visiting hours on Sunday, February 25, 2018 from 3:00 -7:00 pm at Cataudella Funeral Home, 126 Pleasant Valley St., Methuen. A funeral mass will be held Monday at 10:00 AM at Corpus Christi Parish at Holy Rosary Church, 35 Essex St., Lawrence. Burial will follow at St. Mary Immaculate Conception Ceremony, Lawrence.

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