Maria E Andrade

Maria Eduarda Andrade, 87, of New Bedford, Massachusetts, passed away on January 9, 2026 surrounded by her loving family. Born in the small town of Santa Barbara de Santo Antonio Além Capelas in the island of Sao Miguel, Maria came from humble beginnings but quickly developed a love for music and singing. She sang in the church choir at a young age where her voice was admired for its angelic nature. Maria also learned how to play the 12 string Portuguese guitar by watching her father and later in life, enjoyed playing it for her family.

Whether it was a musical show, dance competition or her favorite Spanish telenovela, Maria had a deep appreciation for the performing arts and encouraged her grandchildren to pursue the arts and all its many forms.

After immigrating to the United States with her family in 1974, Maria worked at Calvin Clothing, a textile factory in New Bedford, for over 20 years to help support the family that she loved.

Maria was the devoted wife, of nearly 65 years, of the late Jacinto de Andrade, and the only thing that makes her loss a bit easier to bear, is the thought that they are now together. Maria was the daughter of the late Manuel and Francisca de Jesus Oliveira Ramos and is survived by her five children, Carlos Andrade and his wife Angela, Odilia Correia and her husband Fernando, Amanda Carreiro and her husband Robert, Maria Vieira and her husband Antonio, and Jesse Andrade and his wife Sonia. She is also survived by 15 grandchildren, Tiffany, Crystal Lee, Amanda, Brenda, Nathan, Gabrielle, Colan, Rebecca, Samantha, Cameron, Alexandra, Benjamin, Addianna, Sienna and Sarah. Maria was also blessed with nine great grandchildren, Alexia, Jayden, Kelsey, Tyler, Ava, Josephine, Annabella, Kayden and Calvin.

Maria is survived by a sister, Angelica Pereira and was the sister to the late Maria Pereira, Mariana Ramos, Januario Ramos, Jose Ramos, and Antonio Ramos.

Maria was the heart and soul of our family, raising five children with a heavy focus on faith and resilience. One of her final messages to her children was to never give up the fight no matter the struggle. Mom, you will always be an inspiration, our “Diva” and our light. We love you “até o fim”.

Her funeral will be held on Thursday, January 15, 2026, at 9:00am from ROCK FUNERAL HOME, followed by her Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00am in Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception Church, 136 Earle St. New Bedford. Burial in Notre Dame Cemetery, Fall River. Her visitation will be held on Wednesday, January 14, 2026 from 5:00 to 8:00pm in ROCK FUNERAL HOME, 1285 Ashley Blvd., New Bedford. For on-line tributes, visit our website at www.rock-funeralhome.com