Maria J. (Matos) Vieira, 88, of New Bedford passed away Tuesday, September 16, 2025 with her family at her side. She was the devoted wife of the late Helio A. Vieira with whom she shared 59 years of marriage.
Born in Murtosa Portugal she grew up there before coming to America in 1979, a daughter of the late Jose and Ana Matos. She was a communicant of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church.
Mrs. Vieira was a homemaker. Spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren, was the most important part of her life.
She is survived by, her nine children, Jose Carlos Vieira and his wife Mana of SC, Elio Jose Vieira and his wife Rosa of New Bedford, Manny Vieira and his wife Tina of Acushnet, Zeferino Vieira and his wife Alexandrina of Acushnet, Maria Kelly and her husband Cedric of SC, Victor Vieira and his wife Deanna of Mattapoisett, Ana Vieira of Dartmouth, Gloria Higgins and her husband Peter of ME, Rosalina Vieira of SC; 25 grandchildren, 13 great grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
Her visitation will be Thursday, September 25, 2025 from 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. Her Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 10 a.m. in Mt. Carmel Church, Rivet St., New Bedford. Burial will be in Pine Grove Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to SouthCoast Health at Home, Philanthropy Dept., 141 Page St., New Bedford, MA 02740. www.southcoast.org or Casa da Saudade Branch Library, 58 Crapo St., New Bedford, MA 02740. For online tribute/directions: www.rock-funeralhome.com.
