Obituary of Maria L. (Sousa) Baptista

Maria L. (Sousa) Baptista, 70, wife of Manuel Baptista, died on Thursday, December 11, 2008 at her home in Titusville, FL after a lengthy illness. Her family was at her side. Maria was born in Graciosa, Azores on October 10, 1938 the daughter of the late Francisco and Rosa (Gregorio) Sousa. She was raised and educated in the Azores immigrating to the United States with her parents at age 17. She made her home in Peabody for 25 years before moving to Steep Falls, Maine 28 years ago and wintering in Titusville, FL Maria was owner operator along with her husband of the Acres of Wildlife Campground in Steep Falls, Maine until her retirement in 2001. Her children are now operating the campground and she remained active during the summer months. Her life revolved around her grandchildren with whom she loved to play with. She was an active member of the Great Outdoors in Titusville, FL, Maine Campground Owners Assoc., Red Hat Society, Northeast Campground Assoc., National Assoc. of RV Parks, Holy Ghost Society, CLC and a member of Our Lady Fatima Church Peabody and enjoyed playing cards with her many friends. In addition to her husband whom she married on April 26, 1959, she is survived by her children and their spouses, Elaine M. and Joseph Burnham of Hollis ME and Michael and Regina Baptista of Steep Falls ME; a sister, Linda Sousa Mendonca of Peabody; her grandchildren, Mariah and Connor Burnham, Manny, Ella, Arthur and Sally Baptista all of Steep Falls ME and many nieces and nephews. Her brother Manuel G. Sousa predeceased her. Her funeral will be held at 9 a.m. on Wednesday, December 17, 2008 from the Conway, Cahill-Brodeur Funeral Home, 82 Lynn St., (location) Peabody followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. in Our Lady of Fatima Church, 50 Walsh Ave., Peabody. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited. Visiting hours are Tuesday from 4 to 8 p.m. Burial in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Salem. Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of St. Francis, 1250 Grumman Pl. #8, Titusville FL 32780 or a charity of one’s choice.