Obituary of Maria Sao Jose Soares

Maria São Jose Soares,63, of Peabody, passed away unexpectedly Tuesday evening at the NSMC- Salem Hospital surrounded by her loving family and friends. She was the loving wife and soulmate of Antonio G. Soares. Maria was born on January 9, 1955, in Luz, Graciosa , daughter of the late Manuel T. & Alice (Mendonca) Lobao. She was raised there until emigrating to the U.S. in 1970 at the age of 15. Maria, or São Jose as many people called her, was currently working as a medical receptionist at the Mass General Hospital in Danvers. She was also a faithful parishioner of Our Lady of Fatima Church, where she was part of the founding and building of the church, and volunteered at many feasts, she was also a member of the Azorean Brotherhood of the Divine Holy Ghost, and the Our Lady of Help Hall, all in Peabody. Maria was a loving mother and grandmother, always willing to help out, not for accolades, but because her heart was always in the right place. She also enjoyed tending to her garden, especially her hydrangeas, which reminded her of her home island of Graciosa, she liked to crochet various items to give to people, she was a wonderful cook, and always made sure she always looked her best and stylish, even if it meant being “fashionably” late to places, but most importantly being surrounded by her loving family and friends, especially her granddaughter, whom she referred to as her “sunshine.” Her infectious smile and gentle demeanor has left a lasting impression on anyone who was fortunate to come in contact with her. She will be sorely missed by all who knew and loved her. Besides her loving husband, she is survived by her three daughters, Kristina M. Soares of Stoneham, Alyssa L. Soares of Peabody, Stacey A. Soares & her partner James Arsenault of Peabody; her granddaughter, her sunshine, Arielle Victoria Arsenault; a brother Joao H. Lobao of Peabody; a sister, Maria M. Veiga of Bristol, CT; her godchildren, Maria Pereira, Arthur Lobao, Elizabeth Mendonca, Sandra Lobao, and Jesse Correia; her Sisters-in-law, Gina Silva & her husband Joaquim, Michelle Rosa & her husband Mario, and Judy Soares; her best friend, Conceicao “São” Correia, whom she referred to as a sister, her dog, her fofinha, Bella, and many nieces, nephews, and friends. Visiting hours will be held on Monday, February 19 from 4:00 – 8:00P.M. at the Conway, Cahill-Brodeur Funeral Home,82 Lynn St., Peabody. Her Funeral Mass will be held on Tuesday, February 20, at 9:00 AM at Our Lady of Fatima Church, 50 Walsh Ave, Peabody. EVERYONE IS KINDLY ASKED TO GO DIRECTLY TO CHURCH ON TUESDAY MORNING. Burial will follow in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Salem.