On May 13, 2011, Maria Lourdes Avelar, 53, passed away peacefully at her home in McKinleyville, CA, with her family by her side, finally losing her long battle with Machado-Joseph Disease. Maria was born March 31, 1958 to Jose J. Mendonca and Amelia M. Mendonca, in the town of Ponta Delgada, Flores, Azores Islands. She lived there until the age of 6 when her family immigrated to the United States and settled in Arcata, CA. Maria attended primary and secondary schools in Arcata graduating from Arcata High School in 1976. After graduation, Maria enjoyed her career working at local restaurants including Pete's Bella Vista Inn and the Ramada Inn as well as working for Payless Drugs in Arcata, until she retired to raise her children. In 1976, Maria married Henry Avelar at the St. Bernard's Catholic Church in Eureka. Henry and Maria enjoyed an exciting life together that included the births of three wonderful children, Nelson, Michael and Melissa Avelar. Maria cherished her memories of the time spent with her family which included two summers travelling by R.V. across the U.S. and Canada, visiting extended family, and experiencing the beauty of our National Parks and Monuments. She also relished the summer spent visiting her homeland of the Azores Islands. In later years, Henry and Maria especially enjoyed local trips to Crescent City and Brookings where they would usually enjoy a fish and chips lunch by the Ocean. Maria spent her free time with her flower garden, of which she was especially fond of her roses. She also enjoyed sewing and beading which she continued up to her final days. In younger years, she enjoyed cooking for family gatherings and baking, where she specialized in beautifully decorated cakes. Maria loved working with children, including assisting in CCD Classes at Christ the King Church in McKinleyville of which she was a member. Maria was preceded in death by her parents, and her two brothers Jose, and Fernando Mendonca. Maria is survived by her Husband Henry Avelar and their children Nelson Avelar, Michael Avelar, and Melissa Hux and her husband Brandon. She is also survived by her brother Tony Mendonca along with numerous Aunts, Uncles, Nephews, Nieces and Cousins. A special heart-felt thanks goes out to the people at Mad River Adult Day Health Care which were like a second family to her in her later years, and to the very caring people of Hospice which made her later days as comfortable as possible. A public Rosary will be held at Paul's Chapel at 5:30 PM on Wednesday, May 18, 2011 with a public visitation to run from 4 until 8. A funeral mass will be held at St. Mary's Catholic Church on May 19, 2011 beginning at 10 AM. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to: National Ataxia Foundation 2600 Fernbrook Lane, Suite 119 Minneapolis, MN 55447 Include the following statement with your donation: "This donation is restricted to research oriented towards finding a treatment or cure for SCA3 or Machado-Joseph Disease." Arrangements are under the care of Paul's Chapel, 7070 H Street, Arcata (707) 822-2445. Please sign the guest book at www.Times-Standard.com, click obits.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
May 23, 2011
ELAYNE MENDONCA
I love you all, and you will always be in my prayers.
May 23, 2011
ELAYNE MENDONCA
I LOVE YOU ALL AND YOU ARE IN MY PRAYERS ALWAYS.
May 21, 2011
Jose Mendonca
Dear Henry, It has been 24 years since we had seen you and your family at our wedding, actually you and Maria showed up in your RV...Times goes by so quickly, Jose and I would like to extend our deepest sympathy to you and your children and know that she is in a better place.
Your cousin Jose Luis Mendonca and Family....
May 20, 2011
Maria moniz
My deepest sympathy to Henry and his family. When I heard of her passing, I was very very sad. I hadn't seen her in many years. I moved with my family to the east coast in 1978. When she was younger, she lived with my family for some years, I have my sister, but she was like an older sister.(she was 4 years older). Now she is with the angels in heaven. Rest in peace.
your cousin, Maria Luisa (Mendonca) Moniz.
May 18, 2011
Mary Mendes
Henry and family, I'm so sorry to hear of your loss. Maria was a beautiful sweet caring women with a beautiful smile. May her Soul be Eternal.
May 18, 2011
Henry, our deepest sympathy to you and your family.
Sincerely, Robert & Ryan Rousseau
May 17, 2011
Jennifer Johnson
"Maria is a very special person in my memories, she always treated me and my family like one of her own. I will always cherish the memories of us taking that cake decorating class back in 1995, and the trip to Disney Land, and ohhhh all the delicious meals she would make. I have too many good memories to put into words and I will cherish them always. I am very sorry for your loss of such wonderful person, Maria is at peace now, her pain is no more. I send my love and your in my prayers.
May 17, 2011
Shirley Gonsalves-Stone
Henry, I am so sorry for you loss, Maria was a wonderful person and will be missed.
May 17, 2011
Kayla Aultman
I worked with Maria at Payless in Arcata. She always had a smile on her face and was one of the sweetest people I have ever known.
Rest in Peace Maria, there is no more pain.
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