Maria P. João

Maria P. João "Piedade Maria Rabaça João" of Newtown, PA passed away on March 18, 2026. Piedade is survived by her beloved daughter, Elisabeth V. Levins. She was predeceased by her husband José Antonio João, parents Antonio João Videira and Maria Ana Rabaça, and her two brothers.

Piedade was born in northeastern Portugal, in a little farming hamlet, and came to Lisbon when she got married in 1952. She became a homemaker, a mother to her only daughter, and an assistant to her husband in his tailoring business. Her next big chapter came in 1967, when the family emigrated to Philadelphia, as a result of the demand for tailors by the apparel industry. The family's primary objective was financial security and an education for their daughter, something that neither she nor her husband had achieved in their youth. In 1987, seeing her daughter "settled" in a career and marriage, Piedade and her husband retired back in Lisbon. In 1998, she lost her husband, and, despite having always lived under the shadow of a very strong partner and provider, Piedade decided to live independently and reinvent herself – she became a truly "emancipated" woman, engaging in banking and maintaining a home, always the domain of her late husband. At age 88, her health deteriorated, and she (begrudgingly) came to Newtown, to live with her daughter and son-in-law. She often spoke of making it to 100, but it wasn't meant to be. At 99, Piedade faced a few health issues which led to her ultimate death. She was blessed to die at home, under the care of hospice nurses, and in her last hours, had her hand held by her daughter, who told her it was okay to go, okay to reunite with her dear loved ones.

Like her mother, Piedade was a strong-willed, determined woman, super dedicated to her traditional role of wife and mother. She was also a very loving woman relative to her family and friends, and very encouraging to others when dealing with life's adversities.

She had a few passions, the most important of which was singing. As a young woman, she acted and sang in a Passion Play (still knew everyone's part at age 98!), and as an adult, was a key member of her church's choir in Portugal and in the US. When prompted by others to sing, there was no hesitation – when not prompted, she sang anyway!

Two of the most important highlights of her life were: having educated her daughter and witnessing her successful career, worlds away from the world in which she grew up; and, having traveled to the Holy Land, an experience which she described repeatedly given her strong catholic faith.

Relatives and friends are invited to share in Maria/Piedade's Life Celebration on Saturday, March 28, 2026, Starting 10:00 AM until the time of her memorial mass 11:00 AM at Resurrection of Our Lord Church, 2000 Shelmire Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19152. Interment private. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Maria's memory to Affinity Care of Pennsylvania (6 Neshaminy Interplex, Suite 211, Trevose, PA 19053) would be appreciated by her family. Family service by Swartz/Givnish of Newtown.

1-800-GIVNISH