Maria C. Theobald

Born in St. Michael, Azores, Portugal, a daughter of the late Antone and Maria (Aguiar) Rapoza, she was a longtime resident of Dartmouth. She was employed for more than 38 years at eastern Sportswear and a stitcher for many years at various mills prior to her retirement. She was a communicant of St. Julie Billiart Parish and a devout Catholic.

Maria learned the value of hard work and family from a young age. She worked and lived a farm life in Portugal as a young girl and helped her parents and siblings daily. She continued these values throughout her life remaining close to her siblings and extended family. Maria and Fred took pride and raising their children, grandchildren and even great grandchildren, family meant the world to her. Maria loved being outside and active, she took great pride and teaching not only herself to swim but carrying that on and teaching her grandchildren and then their children as well. She could be quick to call you out when needed but also chose to see the good in everyone. Maria was a longtime member of the Holy Ghost Society and took great pride in being a member and involving her family in their events. She will be missed but remembered by all. Like we did with her beloved husband Fred we’ll say So long, until we meet again.

Maria is survived by her children, Joyce Pare of Dartmouth and Andy Theobald and his wife Gillian of Fairhaven; her siblings, Gloria Medeiros her husband the late Teddy, Helen Neto her husband Fernando and Marianna DeMoranville her husband the late Dave, sister in laws Libby Rapoza and Judy Rapoza eight grandchildren, the late Daniel, Nathan and his wife Sarah, Kyra and her partner Brian, Keisha and her partner Kenny, Sherrie Pittsley and her husband Alan, Sarah Cronin and her husband Scott, Michele Pare and her partner Peter and Gabrial Theobald; thirteen great-grandchildren, Makenna, Kody, Kaden, Kalie, Ethan, Deryn, Damian, Layla, Elise, Vivian, Adeline, Quin, Masie, and two great great-grandchildren Lucien, Killian, and several nieces and nephews. She preceded by her devoted son Frederick E. Theobald Jr, her loving daughter Janet Theobold and the sister of the late Manuel and Joseph Rapoza.

Visitation will be held on Monday, May 15, 2023 from 5:00 to 7:00PM in the Waring-Sullivan Home at Dartmouth, 230 Russells Mills Rd., Dartmouth, MA 02748. Relatives and friends are invited. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, May 16, 2023 at 10:00AM in St. Julie Billiart Church, 494 Slocum Road, Dartmouth followed by a burial in Rural Cemetery. To leave a note of condolence: www.waring-sullivan.com