Maria de Fatima Farias Cavalcanti

Maria de Fatima Farias Cavalcanti, a cherished beacon of joy and love, passed away at the age of 71, on Friday, May 17, 2024, in Grosse Pointe Park, surrounded by her devoted children and beloved fiancé. Born on March 4, 1953, in Pesqueira, Pernambuco, Brazil, Maria was the fifth of nine sisters, all sharing the name Maria, each one as unique as the next.

Her early education in Pesqueira laid a strong foundation for her future, and working in her godparents' store ignited her passion for commerce. This experience inspired her to earn an accounting degree at Colegio Comercial de Pesqueira. Later, alongside her husband, Fernando Barbosa Cavalcanti, Maria moved to Recife where they started a family and ventured into the world of entrepreneurship with their own restaurant and supermarket.

Tragedy struck with the loss of Fernando, but Maria's indomitable spirit shone through as she focused on raising their three children: Danilo, Danielly, and Diego. After the heartbreaking loss of Diego in 2008, Maria embraced a new beginning in Detroit, attracted by its vibrant springs, glorious summers, and beautiful autumns, though she wisely chose to escape the harsh Michigan winters each year and return to her home in Brasil.

Maria's warmth and radiant smile became a cornerstone of the Grosse Pointe community. Whether she was cheering at her grandchildren's sports events, applauding during music presentations, or attending school functions, riding her bike, and walking everywhere in the community. Her presence was a source of light and happiness. An avid needlepoint artist, her creations were vibrant expressions of her joyous spirit.

In her later years, Maria found love again with Bradley Burchnell, with whom she formed a deep and enduring bond, enriching the lives of many in the Brazilian Christian Church in Troy. Her unwavering positivity, resilience in adversity, and ability to find happiness in every encounter made her a beloved figure in her community.

Maria is lovingly remembered by her son, Danilo; daughter-in-law, Isabella; a newborn grandson, Diego; daughter, Danielly; son-in-law, Nicholas; granddaughters, Ava Valentina and Bebe Branca; partner, Bradley Burchnell; and her sisters, Maria de Jesus, Maria Jerusa, Maria Gorete, Maria Pompeia, Maria de Lourdes, and Maria Aparecida. She also leaves behind numerous in-laws, nieces, nephews, cousins, and a host of friends.

A memorial service celebrating Maria's beautiful life will be held on Thursday, May 23, 2024, at 2 PM, with a visitation starting at 1 PM, at A.H. Peters Funeral Home, 20705 Mack Avenue, Grosse Pointe Woods, Michigan 48236. Her legacy of love and joy will forever resonate in the hearts of those she touched.