Maria Antonieta Cabral

Maria Antonieta Cabral, born in the Villa de Porto Santa Maria, Azores, passed away peacefully on September 12, 2025, with her loving husband by her side. She immigrated to Massachusetts in 1962 with her family and married her love Antonio in 1966. They later moved to Fort Bragg, California, where their first and only child was born. During their time there, they formed close bonds with Tony’s family before returning to Massachusetts.

In 1975, Maria became a beautician, finding joy in laughing with her coworkers and clients while expressing her creativity. She loved practicing updos on her young daughter and mastering the Dorothy Hamill hairstyle on her nieces. When Maria and Tony returned to Santa Clara in 1978, they quickly integrated into the Portuguese community where Maria made lifelong friendships. Whether in Massachusetts or California, Maria enjoyed spending time with family, typically around large family meals.

Maria will be remembered for her infectious laughter, her love of a good joke, her kindness and selflessness, her deep affection for animals, especially her grand fur babies, and her passion for swimming, particularly in the ocean, music and dancing. In the best of times, she radiated genuine joy and loved her family deeply.

Maria will be profoundly missed by her husband, daughter, and all the family and friends she touched with her kindness and laughter.

A rosary for Maria will be held Monday, September 29, 2025 at 10:30 AM with Funeral Mass beginning at 11:00 AM at St. Clare Parish, 725 Washington St, Santa Clara, CA 95050. Interment to follow at Santa Clara Mission Cemetery.