Maria C Medeiros

Monday, February 14, 2022 in San Diego.

Maria was born in Vilela, Portugal on November 17, 1928, to parents Francisco Carneiro and Irascema do Espirito Santo Medeiros. “Mariazinha” was the oldest of eight sisters and earned the title of second mother. She often reminisced of her childhood with her younger sisters whom she referred to as her “lovely young girls”.

In 1948, Maria and Mario Medeiros were married in Valverde, Portugal. They were blessed with three children and three grandchildren during their 64 years of marriage, before Mario’s passing on February 21, 2012. Maria was a wonderful mother and grandmother and doted on her family. She was happiest when surrounded by her loved ones and feasting on a delicious meal.

Maria was hard-working and found strength in her Catholic religion and daily prayers. She grew up working on her family’s farm and relocated to a nearby town after having children, to provide them with a better education. While in Valpaços, she and Mario built their successful restaurant and hotel, Café Avenida, where she spent most of her time cooking for all her guests. In 1968, they left their thriving business and emigrated to the United States, seeking greater opportunities for their kids. Maria became a US Citizen and held several factory jobs in New Jersey to help support the family. While she understood some English, she sometimes said “no speak English” to get out of talking to chatty neighbors. She returned to Portugal in 1984 and continued to work in the family Café until retirement.

In recent years, Maria enjoyed many new experiences with her family that she never imagined possible. She celebrated birthdays in Las Vegas, traveled on Disney Cruises, dined at fabulous restaurants, and enjoyed the occasional champagne brunch. Her awe and excitement were infectious.

Maria is survived by three children, Marina Cerqueira, Classinda Serra, and Antonio Medeiros, and three grandchildren, Betty Ribau, Francisco Serra, and Daisy Medeiros. She will be desperately missed by everyone whose hearts she touched. She was one of a kind, and to be loved by her was to be truly blessed.