Maria C. Gonsalves

After a life that lasted over 77 years, Maria Conceicao Gonsalves peacefully passed away on February 11, 2015 surrounded by her family. She was the sweetest wife, mother, grandma, sister, aunt, cousin, neighbor and friend. One way or another we all have been touched by her hospitality and her gentle kindness. Her life reads like a captivating book. Born on the island of Sao Jorge in the Azores, Portugal, moved to the United States as a young adult, married her sweetheart (Jose), had a beautiful baby girl (Maria) who married her charming Dutch son-in-law (Fred) and brought her two happy and healthy grandchildren - Bastiaan and Annamarie. They were her “meninos queridos” (little darlings in Portuguese).

While this may sound like a fairytale, times were not always easy for her. Maria was one of 7 children, who moved to the United States at the age of nineteen. She then met her husband of 52 years. When the going would get tough, she would roll up her sleeves and work alongside her husband to make ends meet and to build a better future together.

Faith, family and work were the things she cared about and also the things that pulled her through these tough times. She adored her family and looked forward to participating in all occasions that brought the family together. Maria was a lifelong active parishioner at St. Clare's Parish in Santa Clara. She lived a humble simple life mirroring God’s grace. Courageous until the end, cancer was no match for her fierce spirit and unwavering faith. She is a great role model to all of us to be kinder and gentler people. Her spirit now rests peacefully in God’s hands.