Maria Sameiro Boucinha

December 19, 1954 – June 19, 2025

With heavy hearts and enduring love, we announce the passing of Maria do Sameiro Boucinha, affectionately known as Sameiro or “Sammy” to those closest to her. She passed away peacefully on June 19, 2025, surrounded by her loving family at Mercy Hospital in Miami, Florida. She was 70 years old.

Born in Valença do Minho, Portugal, Sameiro immigrated to the United States and made her home first in Elizabeth, New Jersey, before settling in Coral Springs, Florida.

Sameiro built a remarkable career at Universal Nutrition, where her talent and dedication led her to become Head of Regional Sales. Her success was a reflection of her confidence, integrity, and incredible work ethic.

A devoted daughter, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, Sameiro cherished her family deeply. As the eldest sister, she lovingly helped raise and look after her four younger sisters, forming a lifelong, tight-knit bond with each of them and their family. After the passing of her parents, she made it her mission to keep family bonds strong, hosting joyful Christmas celebrations and countless gatherings to honor traditions and create new memories.

She poured her energy, wisdom, and love into raising her children, not only as a nurturing mother but as a constant source of strength, guidance, and support. She remained ever-present in their lives, always teaching, helping, and encouraging. She extended that same love and devotion to her grandchildren, playing an active role in raising them and celebrating every moment of their lives. She never missed a birthday or milestone, always showing up with pride, joy, and unconditional love.

Her friendships were equally steadfast. She was the kind of friend who stayed by your side through anything.

Sameiro was a true force of nature: fiercely loving, deeply empathetic, and unshakably courageous. Her life was a reflection of compassion, resilience, and a steadfast belief in lifting others up. She had an extraordinary gift for making people feel stronger, seen, and supported, especially in their hardest moments. Her infectious laugh could fill a room, and her vibrant spirit made every gathering more joyful. She loved sharing a good glass of wine with friends and family, savoring the conversation as much as the drink. To be around her was to feel the warmth of her humor, her generosity, and her light.

A woman of deep faith, Sameiro was a devoted parishioner at St. Vincent Catholic Church in Margate, where she attended Mass regularly and remained active in her spiritual life. Her devotion to God was unwavering, and her life was guided by gratitude, prayer, and love for others. The Sanctuary of Nossa Senhora de Fátima held a special and sacred place in her heart; it was a source of deep spiritual connection and comfort throughout her life.

In retirement, Sameiro embraced life fully. She traveled often to Portugal, rekindling lifelong friendships and forming new ones along the way. As a devoted FC Porto fan, she rarely missed a match, whether in person at Estádio do Dragão or cheering from afar. She formed deep friendships with fellow fans, becoming a beloved and spirited presence in the stands.

Sameiro touched countless lives with her unwavering loyalty, radiant energy, and boundless heart. Her presence was magnetic. She made others feel seen, safe, and celebrated. Her memory will live on in the laughter she inspired and the love she so freely gave.

She now reunites with her beloved parents, Manuel and Palmira Boucinha, and her siblings Paulino, Severino, and Adelaide Boucinha, whose memories she always carried close.

She is survived by her loving children, Paulo Marques and his wife Kelly, and Carla DaSilva and her husband Steve. She leaves behind her adored grandchildren: Clarissa, Aydin, Blake, Ethan, and Miya.

She is lovingly remembered by her sisters, Fatima Boucinha, Julia Boucinha, Carmen Tantum, her brother-in-law Tim Tantum and sister-in-law Otilia Boucinha, as well as many cherished nieces, nephews, and dear friends.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, June 24, 2025, at 10:00 AM at St. Andrew Catholic Church (9950 NW 29th St, Coral Springs, FL 33065).

A visitation will follow from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM at Kraeer Funeral Home (1 North State Road 7, Margate, FL 33063).

A graveside service will take place on Sunday, June 29, 2025, at 11:00 AM at Coral Ridge Funeral Home & Cemetery (1630 SW Pine Island Rd, Cape Coral, FL 33991).

Sameiro’s legacy lives on in the love she gave, the strength she embodied, and the joy she brought to all who had the blessing of knowing her.