Maria Alves Da Rosa

POINT LOMA -- An angel on earth, Maria, with her twinkling blue eyes and warm smile, left us at the sweet age of 91.

Maria was born and grew up in Santa Cruz das Ribeiras on the Azorean Island of Pico, Portugal. She immigrated to the U.S. in 1948 after marrying the love of her life, Leonel Garcia Da Rosa. In this wondrous land of opportunity, Maria and

Leonel joined a large extended family to raise their daughters, Linette and Lilly, in the Portuguese tuna fishing community of Point Loma. During their 61 years of marriage, Maria and Leonel led a loving and beautiful life filled with family, tradition, church and community. Both were active in many Portuguese organizations and social activities. They enjoyed traveling,

especially back to the old country. Sweet memories of the two of them holding hands entering Sunday mass will forever remain dear in our hearts. Maria was known for her devotion to her family and friends. She inspired many with her

generosity and creative talents. Because of her selfless spirit, Maria was known by many as "a santa" (a saint). After Leonel's passing at the age of 97 in 2009, Maria continued to lead a very fulfilling life. Her sweet bread baking and

chocolate chip cookies were some of her hallmarks. She was known as "Tia Cookie" to her nieces and nephews!

Maria was an impeccable seamstress. She also loved painting both on porcelain and on canvas. Maria took pride in her

home and loved being a homemaker. She leaves the family with many wonderful memories and treasures that will never be forgotten. All would agree that the world is a better place because God gave us Maria to learn from and inspire us. Maria leaves behind her daughters, Linette and Lilly; sons-in-law, Joe Baptista and Michael Tuke; her sister, Adelia Alves Jorge, residing in the Azores; grandchildren, Susana, Joseph and Sophia; great-grandchildren, Gabriella and Jacob; nieces; nephews; cousins; dear friends; and her caregiver, Juanita, who tirelessly and lovingly took care of Maria (and Leonel)

for many years. The rosary and funeral mass is scheduled for Friday, December 6, at 9:30 a.m. at Saint Agnes Church, 1145 Evergreen, SD, 92106. Maria will be laid to rest at Holy Cross Cemetery. The family invites those attending to join

them at a reception to celebrate her life at the UPSES Hall, 2818 Avenida de Portugal, SD, 92106, following the services.

Donations may be made in Maria's memory to: Saint Agnes Church, 1145 Evergreen St., SD, CA 92106; the Portuguese Historical Center, 2831 Avenida de Portugal, SD, CA 92106; or the United Portuguese Sociedade Espirito Santo

(UPSES) Scholarship Fund, 2818 Avenida de Portugal, SD, CA 92106.

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