Mariana Santos (Goncalves) De Sousa

Mariana Santos (Goncalves) De Sousa, lovingly known as Eaia, passed away peacefully at home on February 20, 2025, at the age of 91, surrounded by her loving family. Born on January 5, 1934, in Brava, Cape Verde, Mariana's life journey took her from Senegal, West Africa, to the United States in 1981. She lived in Onset for several years before settling in New Bedford.

A talented seamstress, Mariana worked in the local textile industry, where her skills were well appreciated. Mariana was married to her husband, Eduardo X. De Sousa, for 22 years. She was the cherished daughter of the late Luis Goncalves and Julia Santos Goncalves. Her family includes her children: Noemie Szostok and husband Rene of France, Elisabeth Tavares and husband Raimundo of New Bedford, Marlize Dacruz-Vogel and husband Michael of New Bedford, Luis E. Dacruz and girlfriend Hope Gonsalves of New Bedford, Silvie G. Dacruz of New Bedford, and Nathalie Dacruz Diop of New Bedford. She was predeceased by her son, Anthony Dacruz and her granddaughter, Giselle Dacruz.

Mariana was blessed with 10 grandchildren: Claire Gerard, Isabelle Szostok, Nicholas Szostok, Kevin Vogel, Alethia Dorsett, Carlos Dacruz, Anthony Dacruz, Ehbonny Dacruz, Giselle Tavares Pinto, and Paul Anthony Tavares Pinto, as well as many great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. She was sister to Ludgero Santos Goncalves, Jose Santos Goncalves, Maria De Lurdes Galvao, Aurora Santos Goncalves, Joao Santos Goncalves, and Benvinda Santos Goncalves, and was predeceased by her brother, Antonio Santos Goncalves.

Mariana had a passion for singing and dancing, and she loved cooking and baking. She was known for opening her home to everyone and being a caregiver to all. Her love for music, flowers, and animals, especially birds, was well known. Fond of angels, Mariana was loved by all who knew her.

She was an active and dedicated parishioner of Our Lady of the Assumption Church, where she sang in the choir and was a recipient of the Marian Medal. Mariana was also a member of Our Lady of the Assumption Club, the Senior Club, the Bisca Club and the Cape Verdean Women's Social Club.

Visitation will be held at Rock Funeral Home, located at 1285 Ashley Blvd, New Bedford, on Thursday, February 27, 2025, from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm. Her Funeral will be held on Friday, February 28, 2025 at 9:00 am from the funeral home followed by a Funeral Mass at Our Lady of the Assumption Church, 47 S 6th St, New Bedford, at 10:00 am. Burial at St. John's Cemetery, 664 Allen St, New Bedford.

For online tributes, please visit: www.rock-funeralhome.com