Maria Rosa Lopes

Maria Rosa Da Silva Lopes, 92, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, March 5, 2025, at Avery Heights. Born on February 15, 1933, in Odemira, Portugal, she was predeceased by her beloved husband of 43 years, Donato Dos Santos Lopes, as well as her brother, Jose, and sister, Augusta.
Maria is survived by her son, Nelson Lopes and his wife Silvia, along with their two sons, Michael and Kevin. Maria is also lovingly remembered by her stepdaughter, Maria Isabel Paulo and her husband Herminio, as well as their children and grandchildren: Christine, Luis, Nicholas, and Isabella Huapaya, and Sara, Jorge, and Ava Arrendondo. She leaves behind many cherished nieces and nephews and a large extended family.
Maria moved to Lisbon, Portugal, at a young age. Her passion for cooking and talent in the kitchen led her to become a private cook, a role she embraced with pride. In 1973, she met and married Donato, and together they embarked on a new chapter by immigrating to the United States.
Settling in Hartford, Maria worked at Connecticut Springs for several years before joining Aetna, where she continued to work until her retirement. Known for her warmth and generosity, Maria was an active volunteer at Our Lady of Fatima Senior Center, always eager to lend a helping hand to her community.
Maria's home was often filled with the comforting aroma of traditional Portuguese dishes, and her door was always open to family and friends. Her legacy is one of love, resilience, and the simple but profound joy of sharing a meal with those she cherished.
Calling hours will be Saturday, (March 8), from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. at the Sheehan Hilborn Breen Funeral Home, 1084 New Britain Ave., West Hartford. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 10:30 a.m. at Our Lady of Fatima Church, Hartford, with entombment at Cedar Hill Cemetery, Hartford.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Maria Rosa Lopes to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, at https://fundraising.stjude.org/site/TR?px=8733781&fr_id=154020&pg=personal Online condolences may be made at www.SheehanHilbornBreen.com