Maria America (de Jesus) Arede

Born in Macinhata do Vouga, Agueda, Portugal, she was the daughter of the late Jose Rodrigues de Sa and Arminda Joaquina de Jesus. Maria married the love of her life, Manuel Arede, on November 7, 1959. Together they shared more than 33 years of marriage until passing. A strong, passionate woman with a warm heart and unwavering faith, Maria devoted her life to the things she cherished most: her family and her church.

Throughout the years, Maria worked in various garment manufacturing factories, where she dedicated herself through many years of hard work. Beyond her career, her greatest joy was found in caring for her family and nurturing the relationships that meant so much to her.

A faithful parishioner of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception Church, Maria was also a devoted member of the Irmãs do Rosário. Her faith was the foundation of her life. She prayed the Rosary daily and found comfort, strength, and joy in attending church. Her devotion was more than a tradition; it was an expression of the deep faith that guided her throughout her life.

Maria had a special love for cooking and gardening, finding happiness in preparing meals for those she loved and tending to the things she grew. She especially treasured traveling back to Portugal to visit with family and maintain the cherished connections to her homeland. Whether gathered around the family table, tending her garden, or praying her Rosary, Maria found fulfillment in life's simple but meaningful blessings.

Maria will be remembered as a strong and devoted woman whose love for her family and faith never wavered. Her warmth, passion, generosity, and steadfast devotion will remain forever in the hearts of those who knew and loved her. Her greatest legacy is the family she cherished and the faith she lived and shared each day.

She is survived by her loving children, Maria Natalia Hamdi of Texas, Jose Manuel of New Bedford, Antonio Joseph of Sandwich, and Anabela Christy of New Bedford; her cherished 10 grandchildren, Brittney, Amirah, Fatten, Raja, Sammy, Caroline, Jenna, Hannah, Natasha, Christian and four great-grandchildren, Tristan, Benjamin, Naomi, and Penelope; many nieces and nephews; and her most favorite non human companion, Teddy. She was the sister of the late Maria, Marciel, Joaquine, Manuel, and Rosa.

Her family invites relatives and friends to attend her visitation on Tuesday, November 10, 2026, from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m., followed by a Funeral Mass at 11:00 a.m. at Our Lady

of the Immaculate Conception Church, 136 Earle Street, New Bedford, MA 02746. Everyone is asked to go directly to the church. Burial will follow in Pine Grove Cemetery. For online tributes, please visit www.rock-funeralhome.com