Maria Joana Sousa, 83, of Danbury CT passed away peacefully at her home surrounded by her loving family on Monday, February 6, 2023. She was the wife of the late Joao (John) Sousa; married for 50 years.
Maria Joana was born in Relva, Sao Miguel, Azores. The daughter of late Manuel and Maria C. Brilhante.
In 1956, she and her husband came to Danbury to begin their new life together. They were founding members of the Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish and actively involved in Portuguese festivals and fund raising, making lifelong friends throughout the years.
She worked at Berol Corp. for 25 years. She then fulfilled her lifelong dream of owning her own business. Together with her daughters, they opened Royal Weddings Bridal Shop in 1982, dressing thousands of brides over the years.
She enjoyed traveling with her family, both in the U.S. and Europe. Including a special Christmas trip to Rome in 2017 where she met Pope Francis.
Maria Joana always said, “God gave me the talent to sew, and as long as my hands can work I will put them to good use.” And she did. With the onset of the 2020 COVID outbreak, Maria Joana made over 1,000 cloth face masks, sending to family and friends across the country, as well as donating to local hospitals, nursing homes, daycare centers, and her parish.
Family and friends always enjoyed her special Portuguese meals, especially her famous flan dessert.
Maria Joana is survived by her daughters: Rita (Alan) Buck, Deborah (Bill) Constantinesco and Joanna Sousa. Also, her grandchildren: Amanda (Matthew) Aljets, John (Jessica) Buck, and two great-grandchildren, as well as sister-in-laws, brother-in-laws, many nieces and nephews, and great-nieces and nephews.
Her beloved brother, Jaime D. Brilhante, predeceased her.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 am on Monday, February 13, 2023 at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, 149 Deer Hill Ave., Danbury. Burial will be in St. Peter Cemetery, Danbury.
Family and friends will be received from 3:00 pm – 6:00 pm on Sunday, February 12, 2023 at the Green Funeral Home, 57 Main St., Danbury.
Contributions in Maria Joana Sousa’s memory may be made to the Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish, 149 Deer Hill Ave, Danbury, CT 06810.
