To my friend Liz, and her family...
Although I didn't get the opportunity to meet your Mom, I knew of her through you. Losing the one person, who knew you first, no matter what and now matter how, it hurts and it takes time to heal from that.
I am sending all of you love and condolences, from Canada xo

Your mom played a huge part in your family, and we know you will miss her greatly. We hope that your memories and experiences will warm your heart and give you all peace. She was always full of energy and very social. Know that you are all in our thoughts and prayers. May she rest in peace.

Love Anthony, Manina, Marianna, Elisa, Lauryn, Vijay, and Nick

Grandma Maria,

Despite our time apart, I still vividly remember all the moments staying with you and Manuel at your home in Manteca. As I mingled with the extended family, you always gave me special attention, saying “you need to eat good!” You always kept me well fed and in good spirits. I loved the way you greeted me: “NOAH-ZINGAAAA!!” It was so funny. I loved your energy and sassy, willful energy. Everyone in the household always knew you were the boss! You gave me much encouragement to be a good brother to Scarlett and Ruby, as well as a good role model to all the younger members of the family. I still hope to aspire to be the best in those positions, thanks to your words of wisdom.

Of course, there was a stark difference in how you and I both perceived one another many years later in Portugal. However, among Michael and the others, I was very pleasantly surprised to see your familiar smile and warmth. Rest in peace Maria.

Mike, I am so deeply sorry for the loss of your mom, Maria. I know how special she was to you, Sandra, and the rest of your family. Although I only spoke with her once or twice and didn't know her well, it's clear she raised an incredibly caring and compassionate son. Your heartfelt letter to you mom left me in tears and spoke volumes about the love you shared. Sending you much love, strength, and many prayers during this difficult time.

I met Maria through her daughter Elizabeth and son Micheal. Their mother was a wonderful caring and giving soul! I remember the time I went to visit the family during Thanksgiving and she made sure I was wonderfully fed until I could eat no more! Lol! Her kind generosity and wonderful heart always made me feel at home when I was around her.. she will be truly missed by all who knew and loved her. I feel that she is an angel watching over her family. She is now at peace with the lord, but her spirit will always be watching her family for external life. May God bless her family and extended family at this difficult time. I love you Maria may the angels watch over you in heaven as they did on earth amen.

Dear Maria, for more than twenty years I had the privilege of knowing you and being part of your life. From the beginning, I saw your strength and the deep love you had for your family. You were fiercely protective, loyal, and unwavering when it came to your children and grandchildren. No one ever doubted how much they meant to you.

Yet beneath that strong exterior was a tender and compassionate heart. You were generous, sensitive to the pain of others, and always willing to give of yourself. Watching the way you loved your family taught me what devotion truly looks like. The values you lived by are reflected so clearly in Elizabeth and in the family she has built.

Thank you for welcoming me as your son-in-law, for trusting me with your daughter, and for making me feel like I belonged. Your love, your lessons, and your presence will continue to guide us. You will always be remembered, deeply honored, and forever loved. Rest in peace, Maria.

My dear mom...I grew up knowing I was loved. Although we had challenges in our relationship at times, that I always knew to be true. Mother-daughter relationships can be complicated...ours was no different, but I knew you....I saw who you really were below the strong exterior. You were a strong woman, resilient and protective. No one messed with your children or grandchildren! You were also sensitive, easily moved by the suffering of others and generous. You taught me to be a strong woman, have an open heart and compassionate for those less fortunate. You were kind, giving and those you loved, you loved deeply. So many memories I have from childhood that I will always keep close to my heart. The disease of Alzheimer's stole you from us early, so I have been grieving you for a long time. I choose to remember you, not the disease. I know you will always watch over us, especially, Scarlett, Ruby, Sydney, Victoria and Adalese. May you fly free and return home, knowing that we are going to be ok....we have each other. I will miss mom. I love you. Rest in Peace. ❤️

To my dearest and beautiful sister Olivia
You being the oldest and me the youngest you also were like a mom especially to me and to the rest of us. We could always count on you for moral support or anything we need it, like teaching me how to prepare Portuguese food, sometimes even over the phone. You were always kind and loving to me and my kids Shauna, Nick and Charlie who also loves you very much!
At Christmas time we all couldn't wait to pack our van with the kids presents and head on to Manteca to be with you Manuel and your kids.
All my life the only time that I can remember not being so happy with you, I was about 7 years old when you told me you were going to give me a hair cut because you knew how. I believed you while you laughed the whole time you proceed it giving me the UGLIEST
bowl hair cut in the world! lol. Once you were sitting on that chair there was no escaping. I think that's when I made up my mind of what I was going to do as I got older and cut my on hair ha ha ha!
As I got older and got married you always helped me from putting my wedding together with tia Leonor to help watching my kids. I knew I could always count on you!
Coming from a big family of 6 at times being separated from each other, you were the glue that always kept us together!
I'm glad I got to see you this summer in the place that you loved PORTUGAL and I enjoyed watching you play and talk to that baby doll I got you like it was your grandchild.
That damn disease that kept us guessing sometimes what the hell you said, did not matter , because we still had fun laughing along with you at all the shi# you were saying.
Charlie and I and my kids Shauna Nick Valerie and grandkids we all will miss and remember youf orever. No more suffering no more pain, enjoy yourself with all our loved ones that have departed, mom,dad, tia Odett and especially vavo Adriano your favorite person!
I love you my dearest sister Olivia!

To my dearest and beautiful sister Olivia
You being the oldest and me the youngest you also were like a mom especially to me and to the rest of us. We could always count on you for moral support or anything we need it, like teaching me how to prepare Portuguese food, sometimes even over the phone. You were always kind and loving to me and my kids Shauna, Nick and Charlie who also loves you very much!
At Christmas time we all couldn't wait to pack our van with the kids presents and head on to Manteca to be with you Manuel and your kids.
All my life the only time that I can remember not being so happy with you, I was about 7 years old when you told me you were going to give me a hair cut because you knew how. I believed you while you laughed the whole time you proceed it giving me the UGLIEST
bowl hair cut in the world! lol. Once you were sitting on that chair there was no escaping. I think that's when I made up my mind of what I was going to do as I got older and cut my on hair ha ha ha!
As I got older and got married you always helped me from putting my wedding together with tia Leonor to help watching my kids. I knew I could always count on you!
Coming from a big family of 6 at times being separated from each other, you were the glue that always kept us together!
I'm glad I got to see you this summer in the place that you loved PORTUGAL and I enjoyed watching you play and talk to that baby doll I got you like it was your grandchild.
That damn disease that kept us guessing sometimes what the hell you said, did not matter , because we still had fun laughing along with you at all the shi# you were saying.
Charlie and I and my kids Shauna Nick Valerie and grandkids we all will miss and remember youf orever. No more suffering no more pain, enjoy yourself with all our loved ones that have departed, mom,dad, tia Odett and especially vavo Adriano your favorite person!
I love you my dearest sister Olivia!

To my dearest and beautiful sister Olivia
You being the oldest and me the youngest you also were like a mom especially to me and to the rest of us. We could always count on you for moral support or anything we need it, like teaching me how to prepare Portuguese food, sometimes even over the phone. You were always kind and loving to me and my kids Shauna, Nick and Charlie who also loves you very much!
At Christmas time we all couldn't wait to pack our van with the kids presents and head on to Manteca to be with you Manuel and your kids.
All my life the only time that I can remember not being so happy with you, I was about 7 years old when you told me you were going to give me a hair cut because you knew how. I believed you while you laughed the whole time you proceed it giving me the UGLIEST
bowl hair cut in the world! lol. Once you were sitting on that chair there was no escaping. I think that's when I made up my mind of what I was going to do as I got older and cut my on hair ha ha ha!
As I got older and got married you always helped me from putting my wedding together with tia Leonor to help watching my kids. I knew I could always count on you!
Coming from a big family of 6 at times being separated from each other, you were the glue that always kept us together!
I'm glad I got to see you this summer in the place that you loved PORTUGAL and I enjoyed watching you play and talk to that baby doll I got you like it was your grandchild.
That damn disease that kept us guessing sometimes what the hell you said, did not matter , because we still had fun laughing along with you at all the shi# you were saying.
Charlie and I and my kids Shauna Nick Valerie and grandkids we all will miss and remember youf orever. No more suffering no more pain, enjoy yourself with all our loved ones that have departed, mom,dad, tia Odett and especially vavo Adriano your favorite person!
I love you my dearest sister Olivia!

To Maria & Family,

Maria - your life will forever live on in my mind and in everyone who ever had the honor of hearing it. I’m so thankful that I got to spend time with you and watch you with your grandchildren. You raised wonderful children who will continue your legacy. My favorite memory was at the airport when you and I were rolling around the airport. I remember you talking about dancing and being sassy as always. Maria, you will be missed dearly. I hope you are laughing in heaven. Until we meet again 💜

To Sandra, Mike, and Manuel - I’m sending you my love from afar as you navigate the loss of Maria. She was so deeply loved by you all and cared by you into this next stage of her souls resting place. Mike, I don’t know the pain you are feeling. To lose a mother is like losing a piece of you and I hope you are tender with yourself as you navigate this grief. Love you all.

To my dearest god mother,

Your words, your laughter, and your loving energy will remain with me always. Though you may no longer walk beside us, your spirit lives on in the lives you touched and the hearts you shaped—especially mine. Rest in peace - David

To my dear friend Maria. We have such great memories together in Manteca and I will never forget all of our good times. The Underwood family honors your memory and you will never be forgotten. Rest in peace we love you

My T Leeva...That's how my bother and I said her name. I think she was everyone's favorite Tia. I always remembered her being so warm and loving toward us as she was to my kids. She was so friendly to everyone she met. We would make us laugh without even trying. I'll never forget the sweet cards and letters that she would send to me and my brother Nicholas, and she would always include my kids as we got older.She always spelled my name Showna and that was ok because I knew it was from her.There was always some money in the cards with a little note saying to go buy something at the store or go watch a movie. For years my family would drive for hours to go visit and we would always cry when we had to leave. I know that she is up in heaven watching over all of us now. I hope that she will visit me in my dreams. And when it's my time to go I hope she is one of the first Angels to greet me. ❤️XOXO Tia Olivia

Maria,
I will never forget the first time you welcomed me into your home. You made me feel so comfortable and cared for, as if I were family. The conversations we shared at your dining table with your family and with your homemade cake and coffee, are memories I will always cherish. Your kindness, warmth, tenacity, and sense of humor left a lasting mark on my heart. You raised a wonderful son, Mike who I adore like my own brother. They will continue to keep you close in their heart. You were truly special and will be deeply missed. May you rest in eternal peace.

Love Josie ❤️

Oh, Sweet Tia Olivia, how greatly you will be missed. You really were the great Matriarch of the family. This wonderful family that I'm so grateful to be a part of. You always treated me with such love and kindness and it meant so much to me. You loved my kids as if they were your own grandbabies. Always thinking of them, sending them cards for holidays and birthdays with money to "go buy ice cream". You had an infectious laugh and I loved being crazy with you and embarrassing those that were with us, by being crazy, we didn't care, we were having fun! Haha. I'm so grateful that I went and saw you this year before you moved to Portugal, though the disease that took you was advanced, there were a couple of lucid moments with you that I will always cherish. Thank you for the love and kindness you showed to me and my kids. Nick has always spoken so highly of you, he has always said that you were more like a grandmother to him. From the banana slices in the cereal, to the delicious papas you made. To spraying him and Michael with a hose when they were outside making a fire in their little fort, about to burn everything down. Lol. You will live on in our hearts in the funny stories and fond memories we tell. Until we meet again. ❤️🙏 We Love you Tia. P.s. Please go haunt Leonor, as she doesn't believe in ghosts 😂 Thank you. ❤️

Mrs. Maria Domingos, heaven is rejoicing to have gain an angel. I had the pleasure of meeting your son Michael in 1999 as we worked together and invited me into your home where you were delightful to speak to, full of energy and fed me as one of your own. God be with the Domingos during this time and certain you will be remembered and cherished for years to come.

My deepest condolences to all of the family members. I've met Maria only shortly but was always greeted with a smile by her. Michael&Sandra shared great and heartful memories about her and you can tell she was a loving person and also loved by many.
May you party to the max in heaven,Maria.
Sending lots of love to everyone.

My deepest condolences to all of the family members. I've met Maria only shortly but was always greeted with a smile by her. Michael&Sandra shared great and heartful memories about her and you can tell she was a loving person and also loved by many.
May you party to the max in heaven,Maria.
Sending lots of love to everyone.

Maria you were more than a friend to me, you were the aunt anybody dream, fun, kind and lovely. Every time I had the opportunity to see you I was always next to you, talking and laughing of all and anything, you make me feel in family always next to you. I hope to see your beautiful smile someday my dear aunt. You’ll be remembered with your beautiful eyes and smile, te quiero mi Maria querida. My heart with you Compadre and your family, we love you and miss you a lot!

Maria was a tough and resilient woman and also a kind, loving and funny woman. You will be missed. Be nice in heaven. I’ve already warned God of your sass. 😁. We love you.

Maria will be missed. She has been on my life for over 48 years. My deepest condolences 🙏 love ❤️ you all.

My beautiful mother, how special you were to me. You were the best mother any child, and man could ever ask for. You have and always will be there for me. You always stood up for what was right and you were always there to help anyone who needed anything including love. You were the toughest woman I have ever know with the gentlest soul full of love. The last 6 years of your life were spent by my side as Sandra & I cared for you, and I thank GOD every day for that time. I would do it again in a heart beat. Thank you so much for all the wonderful memories growing up, and thank you for always loving us and your beautiful grand daughters. Having you as my mother and caring for you until the end was the absolute greatest honor of my life. I LOVE YOU SO MUCH MOM! May you rest in peace, be pain free, and be dancing up in heaven. Until we meet again.

Minha linda mãe, como você foi especial para mim. Você foi a melhor mãe que qualquer filho, e qualquer homem, poderia desejar. Você sempre esteve e sempre estará presente para mim. Você sempre defendeu o que era certo e sempre esteve lá para ajudar quem precisasse, inclusive com amor. Você foi a mulher mais forte que já conheci, com a alma mais gentil e cheia de amor. Os últimos 6 anos da sua vida foram passados ​​ao meu lado, enquanto Sandra e eu cuidávamos de você, e agradeço a Deus todos os dias por esse tempo. Eu faria tudo de novo sem hesitar. Muito obrigada por todas as lembranças maravilhosas da minha infância e obrigada por sempre nos amar e amar suas lindas netas. Ter você como minha mãe e cuidar de você até o fim foi a maior honra da minha vida. EU TE AMO MUITO, MÃE! Que você descanse em paz, sem dor, e esteja dançando no céu. Até nos encontrarmos novamente.