Maria T. Botelho

MARIA TERESA BOTELHO, 86, of Swansea, MA, formerly of East Providence, RI, passed away peacefully on August 8th, 2025, at the home of her niece, Cindy DaRosa, surrounded by her loving family. Maria lived with Cindy for the past 30 years, and the two shared a bond as close as that of mother and daughter. Whether related or not, she was known to many as "Titia". She will be deeply missed by all whose lives she touched, especially those who knew and loved her.

Born in São Miguel, Azores, Maria was the daughter of the late Jose Moniz Botelho and Francisca Oliveira.

Prior to retiring, Maria spent 26+ years working as a housekeeper at the Miriam Hospital, Providence, RI.

A woman of strong faith, Maria found daily comfort in reading the Bible and praying the Rosary. She was a devoted communicant of both St. Francis Xavier Church in East Providence and St. Dominic Church in Swansea. She was also a proud member of the Holy Rosary Sodality at St. Francis Xavier.

Maria had a generous and compassionate spirit. She was passionate about helping those in need, often preparing and delivering home-cooked meals to family, friends, and the elderly. She also devoted much of her time to visiting the sick and elderly in local nursing homes, offering companionship and comfort with her kind heart and warm presence.

She had a deep love for dogs, especially her beloved Trixie, who was her loyal companion for many years and brought her endless joy. Though Trixie passed away before her, Maria often spoke of her with great affection and missed her dearly. In her later years, Maria found a new way to enjoy her love of dogs by watching the cartoon Bluey with her great-great-niece Mia, with whom she shared a special bond.

Maria was predeceased by her siblings: Maria Costa-Meireles, Fernando, Domingos, and Manuel Botelho, and Jose and Antonio Moniz. She is survived by her sister-in-law, Leonor Botelho, and many loving nieces and nephews across several generations.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the staff of AccentCare Hospice, as well as to Fernanda at AHC, for their exceptional care, compassion, and support in making Maria's final days peaceful and filled with love.

Visitation will be held at St. Francis Xavier Church, 81 N. Carpenter Street, East Providence, RI on Wednesday, August 13th, 2025 at 9:00AM followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00AM. Interment will follow at Gate of Heaven Cemetery, 550 Wampanoag Trail, East Providence, RI.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Maria's memory may be made to one of the following: St. Francis Xavier Church, 81 North Carpenter Street, East Providence, RI 02914; St. Dominic Church, 1277 Grand Army of the Republic Highway, Swansea, MA 02777; or Project Forgotten Child, 818 Middle Street Unit 201, Fall River, MA 02721.