Maria José Dias

Born in Feteiras, São Miguel, Açores, she was the daughter of the late José (Botelho) Raposo and Ema Nicolina (dos Reis) Raposo. Maria lived a life shaped by family, faith, and remarkable resilience. Over the years, she made her home in Portugal, Venezuela, and the United States, carrying her strength and traditions across each chapter of her journey, including delighting her family with the best arepas and empanadas around.

Maria was an excellent student who completed her education with distinction, earning the highest grade on the island for her final project. She spent many years as a seamstress in the local garment industry, and worked at St. George’s School in Middletown, Rhode Island.

Maria was a devoted communicant of Santo Christo Church, where she served as a Eucharistic minister and was an active member of the Our Lady of the Rosary Solidarity. She was a gifted knitter and crocheter, and lovingly created handmade blankets and other keepsakes for her family, each one reflecting her patience, care, and deep love.

Maria had a longtime appreciation for natural remedies and the simple comforts of everyday health. She was well read on these traditions, and believed strongly in the healing power of garlic, lemon, mint, and olive oil. Her approach to wellness was thoughtful and steady, and given the long and healthy life she lived, many of us will carry forward the lessons she showed us about nurturing ourselves with simplicity and intention.

She had a special love for animals and brought gentleness to everything around her. Maria’s joyful, unforgettable laugh filled the room. She laughed with her whole face and her whole heart, and that beautiful sound will remain with her family forever. She also loved to sing, and one cherished memory is of her serenading everyone on her 102nd birthday, the day the photo chosen for her obituary was taken, with Muito lindo é o céu, a traditional hymn celebrating the beauty and joy of heaven.

She is survived by her children Maria Isabel Brum of Palmela, Portugal; João Maria Dias and his wife Fernanda of Fall River; Joana D. Mateus of Fall River; and Fatima Dias of Fall River; her grandchildren Antonio Brum, Eliette Brum, Luis Brum, Bruno Dias, Catarina Soares, Nelson D. Mateus, Sancha Christopherson, João F. Dias, Emma Noel, Kimberly Mateus, Christine Catarino, and Lia Silva; and her 14 great-grandchildren.

Maria was predeceased by her younger sisters, Maria Isabel Cavaco and Alice Raposo. She was also the mother-in-law of the late Antonio José Fraga Brum, Nelson L. Mateus and José Manuel Catarino, and grandmother of the late Filipe Dias who passed away as an infant.

Her funeral will be held on Friday, February 13, 2026, at 8:30 AM from the Waring-Sullivan Home at Cherry Place, 178 Winter Street, Fall River, MA, followed by a Funeral Mass at 10:00 AM at Santo Christo Church, Columbia Street, Fall River. Relatives and friends are invited. Visitation will be held on Thursday from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM. Burial will be in St. Patrick’s Cemetery, Fall River.