Obituary of Maria Luisa (da Silva) Faria

Maria Luisa (da Silva) Faria, 61, of Peabody, beloved wife of Henrique “Henry” Faria, died at her home following a lengthy illness on Saturday, July 10, 2010 with her family at her side. Luisa was born on January 28, 1949, in Foz do Arelho, Portugal, the loving daughter of Maria Emilia (Antunes) da Silva of Peabody and the late Luis Da Silva. She was raised and educated in Portugal and immigrated to the United States in 1969, making her home in Peabody. Luisa was employed as a seamstress for 20 years at New England Sportswear in Peabody, and then as an assembler for 5 years at Avnet Computer Company in Peabody until her retirement in 2000. Luisa’s life centered on her family, starting with her lifelong love and best friend, husband Henry. When Henry and Luisa first met as young children in the small Portuguese village of Foz do Arelho, they never could have imagined that life’s journey would eventually lead them far from their home to a new world in Peabody, where they would go on to raise three children, carving out a life together over 41 years. During this time Luisa shared her warmth, cooking, laughter, and good nature, putting the needs of her family always above her own. Proud of her heritage, Luisa enjoyed visiting with old friends from Portugal, the U.S. and Canada, and most of all loved spending time with granddaughter Abby, who always greeted her “Mimi” with a smile and hug. Her family will always remember her as a wonderful cook, avid gardener, and a loving mother and friend. A deeply religious woman and long-time parishioner of St. John’s in Peabody, Luisa’s faith allowed her to face her toughest battle with a sense of calm and quiet resolve. In her last days, Mimi reminded her children, “Don’t ever give up hope”. She will be greatly missed. In addition to her beloved husband and loving mother, Luisa is survived by her devoted children, Susan Faria and Brian Faria both of Salem, and Melissa (Faria) LaHaye and her husband Ryan of Danvers; her cherished granddaughter Abigail; many nieces and nephews, and her extended family in the United States and Portugal. Her funeral will be held on Wednesday, July 14, 2010 at 10 a.m. from the Conway, Cahill-Brodeur Funeral Home, 82 Lynn St., Peabody followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. at St. John the Baptist Church, 16 Church St., Peabody. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited. Visiting hours are Tuesday, July 13, 2010 from 5 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made in her memory to Hospice of the North Shore, www.hns.org ,75 Sylvan St., Suite B-102, Danvers, MA 01923. Burial in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Salem.