It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Maria Amelia Pais Braz DeMedeiros, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend to many. Maria Amelia entered into eternal peace on Wednesday, August 7, 2024. Born on December 25, 1947 she was always proud to say “I’m a Christmas baby,” in Ferreirós do Dao, Viseu Portugal. As a faithful servant and devout Catholic we are confident she is radiating in heaven surrounded by the many others who have gone before her, most especially her father Jose Braz and mother Maria Pais Braz.
Maria Amelia was a beacon of unconditional love, always putting her family and those around her first. Her vibrant energy radiated positivity, and her deep faith was a guiding light for all who knew her. She had an unwavering commitment to her faith and was deeply involved in the Portuguese community. Maria Amelia took great pride in her involvement with the Ranchos – Portuguese folklore dance groups beginning with the children’s group which she instructed and then Cruz d’Ouro and Portugal Canta e Dança, where she shared her love of her Portuguese heritage and traditions with others.
A woman of many talents, Maria Amelia loved to sew, creating beautiful pieces that will continue to be treasured by her family and friends, including many of the traditional garments used in the Ranchos mentioned above. Her home was a place of warmth and comfort, always filled with the aromas of delicious food lovingly prepared for anyone who walked through her door. Our Thanksgiving feasts will never be the same…. She seemed to turn the most simplest of foods into a gourmet dish. And her signature meatloaf…. Boy will we miss that. Let us also mention that our Portuguese mom looked forward to preparing her other favorite holiday dinner…. St. Patrick’s Day, which even included her home-made Irish Soda Bread.
Maria Amelia leaves behind her devoted husband and sweetheart of 48 years, Dinis C. DeMedeiros, her loving children, Olendina (Dina) Francisco Pereira, Daciel (Deci) and Victoria (Tori) DeMedeiros and her most precious grandchildren Samuel Pereira, Daniel Pereira and Greyson DeMedeiros. In addition, her brother Jose Antonio Pais Braz (Marilia) and sister and Goddaughter Zaida Maria Braz Neves (Antonio) who will forever carry her spirit in their hearts.
We would like to thank all who have been a part of this journey starting back in November 2023 with caregivers at Danbury Hospital, Yale New Haven Hospital, Memorial Sloan Kettering Hospital and most recently Bethel Health Care. And certainly the love of family and friends who where present in so many touching ways.
Her legacy of love, faith, and dedication to family and community will be remembered and cherished by all who had the privilege of knowing her. She will be deeply missed but never forgotten.
Visitation will be held on Saturday, August 10, 2024 from 8:30AM to 10:30Am at Green Funeral Home, 57 Main St., Danbury, CT.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11AM at Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish, 149 Deer Hill Ave., Danbury, CT.
Burial will follow at St. Peter Cemetery, 71 Lake Ave., Ext., Danbury.
In an effort to bring awareness to Glioblastoma we ask you to join us in choosing to wear gray to the services. Donations in memory of Maria Amelia may be directed to Ann’s Place or Immaculate Heart of Mary parish.
