She was preceded by death by her parents Francisco Vaz and Maria Eugenia Teixeira, Brother Joao Teixeira, Sister and brother-in-law Maria Esperanca and Manuel Lourenco, Brother Francisco Teixeira, Brother-in-law Francisco Silveira.
She is survived by her husband of 63 years Jose da Rocha Labandeira, Daughter Mary Macedo - husband Joe, Daughter Fatima Berlak - husband Gary, Daughter Avelena Labrie - husband Michael, Grandchildren Elizabeth (Macedo) Cole - husband Neil, David Macedo, Haley Berlak, Kyle and Kristen Labrie as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Sister Maria Fatima Silveira, Sister-in-law Maria Conceicao Teixeira.
Maria was a member of the Daughters of Mary in Terceira, Acores. She also belonged to the Luso-America and PFSA – Portuguese Fraternal Society of America. She became a Naturalized United States citizen on April 10, 1967, which allowed her the ability to sponsor numerous family members to join her in the United States. She worked 8 years as a Supervisor of Housekeeping for Country View Convalescent Hospital and as a homemaker for over 40 years. She enjoyed all the time spent with the St Jude’s Portuguese Bible Study group on their monthly meetings and numerous trips throughout the state of California.
Maria was a loving grandmother that cared for all her grandchildren prior to the beginning of their schooling as well as during holiday breaks. She would teach the grandchildren to crochet and speak simple Portuguese words.
We would like to thank the Oncology Department at Kaiser Permanente. They went above and beyond with the care they provide to Maria and the family. We would also like to thank Asera Care for their assistance as well as the personal assistance provided by the on-call staff.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Cancer Society.
