Born on August 25, 1926 in Port Judeu, Terceira Azores to Jose Toste and Maria Conceicao Toste, Maria was one of five children, brothers Jose and Manuel and sisters Dos Santos and Fatima. She married the love of her life, Manuel Andre in 1947 in the Azores and came to America to start her life on their dairy, where they worked side by side until it was sold.
Preceded in death husband Manuel Andre, parents Jose Toste and Maria Conceicao Toste, brothers Manuel Toste, Jose Toste and Dos Santos Ormonde.
She is survived by her son Manuel A. Andre and his wife Mary from Merced. Sister Fatima Belem Angra Do Heroismo, Terceira Azores. Godchildren and many nieces, nephews (better known to them as Tia), cousins and wonderful friends.
She was a devoted Catholic and had great faith. She enjoyed being surrounded by her family especially at holidays. She loved to laugh and play cards. She enjoyed cooking and gardening. She had a green thumb when it came to her garden, and she always knew when the best time of the year was to plant flowers, which was self-taught. Family and friends always asked her to share a clipping or two from her garden or advice to take care of their garden.
The family would like to thank Anberry Rehabilitation in Merced for their genuine loving care that they provided. Especially when she celebrated her 95th birthday by gathering employees to sing Happy Birthday with balloons, it was a special day.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.stratfordevansfunerals.com for the Andre family.
