Maria C. Santos

Maria da Conceicao Santos of Wilbraham, formerly of Indian Orchard died peacefully at home on April 8, 2024, surrounded by her loving and adoring family. She was born on December 8, 1938, in Sobral da Lagoa, Obidos Portugal to Maria Eulalia and Joaquim Fernando. She immigrated to the United States with the love of her life Jeronimo Santos in search of a better life for her family and children. She was married to her husband until his passing in 2011.

 She worked for the former Milton Bradley for over 20 years until her retirement. During that time, she was able to form lifelong friendships that carried her through her golden years.

She loved to garden, tend to her plants and adored camping and beach trips to Salisbury Beach, which was one of her happiest places. 

She leaves her adoring children Luis Santos (Maggie) of Wilbraham, Nuno Santos (Rosa) of Ludlow and her daughter Tina Bernardes and her husband Nelson (Her favorite son in law) of Wilbraham, who opened their home to her and took great pride in caring for her and giving her the best life for the past 10 years. They especially Nelson made every effort to ensure that she was afforded all the comforts she so deserved.

Her greatest and most cherished gifts were her grandchildren Sean, Tara, Chad, Mia and Olivia Santos and Christian and Daniel Bernardes, whom she adored and would give up the world for.

She was predeceased by her mother whom she cared for, for many years, her sister Manuela in Portugal, and her cousin and Best Friend Julia Zina, as well as many other friends and relatives.

She leaves behind her brother Honorato Campos in Portugal, and all of her sisters in law, and brothers in law whom she had an exceptionally strong bond with. Specifically the Thick as Thieves sisters, Eva and Tina, whom she would often share a meal with and be the judge of the “pretty contest”, but just so we’re clear, everyone knows that “A Tina e a Mais Bonita”.  Many nieces and nephews who loved their cherished Tia Sao, her doting godchild Carmen, as well as a slew of friends, especially her close confidant and comadre Maria Bernardes, who would often visit with a coffee in hand or a homemade treat, to chat the day away.

In her hay day she loved to entertain and often had full houses with an abundance of food, love and laughter. Always a jokester and always with a smile on her face even in the most difficult times. She was the epitome of strength and perseverance and instilled these traits in her children.  She taught them how to live with dignity, patience and kindness.

She was an exceptional cook and had dreams of opening her own restaurant, unfortunately life had other plans. However, this did not deter her from doing what she loved and sharing her incredible cooking and baking skills with friends and family. Specifically known for her Rissois de Camarao (Shrimp cakes), Folar (Meat Bread), Pasteis de Nata (Custard Cups), her mouthwatering treats were glorified by all who had the privilege of trying them.

Thankfully her talents have been passed on to her children and grandchildren, all of whom have their own specialties in cooking and baking.

All who knew Maria knew her as a kindhearted and beautiful woman, she had impeccable fashion sense and was always dressed to the nines. Maria was a very faithful woman who allowed her religion to carry her through the most difficult and challenging times, and she did have some challenges, yet always faced them head on and with her head held high. .

The family wishes to extend a most heartfelt thank you to a very special nurse’s aide Jessica F. who has been with the family for 16 years, making her an honorary family member to this crazy crew, and remained with Maria until her last breath. As well as Cheryl O. who took great pride in working to ensure Maria’s wellbeing.

Most recently the family has been blessed to have the best little angel on Earth, Megan from Hospice, who guided the family during the most difficult times these past 4 months.

Funeral Services for Maria will be held on Thursday, April 11, with Calling Hours from 8am-10am at Nowak Funeral & Cremation Services, 15 Ludlow Ave., Springfield followed by a Funeral Mass in Our Lady of Fatima Church, 438 Winsor St., Ludlow at 11am and burial in Island Pond Cemetery, Ludlow.

 In the words of a life well lived, by an exceptional woman,

“Peace out!”   Queenie

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