Maria Mead

Maria Mead

August 2, 1943 - January 12, 2026

Camarillo - Maria Augusta Mead, age 82, passed away peacefully in her home on January 12, 2026, surrounded by the love she so generously gave throughout her life.

Maria was born on August 2, 1943, in Pico, Azores, Portugal. She immigrated to the United States with her parents, Antonio Agostinho da Silva and Maria Palmira da Silva in 1946, settling in Santa Maria, California. She spent her early years with her parents as well as her younger siblings John and Louisa and began building the foundation of her life.

In 1960, while attending Allan Hancock College in Santa Maria, Maria met the love of her life, Charles David Mead. Together, they built a life rooted in devotion, creativity, and family. After beginning their married life in Santa Maria and raising their children, Charlie, David and Dean, they moved to Camarillo and subsequently made their home in Santa Barbara, California, where Maria's artistic talents flourished and her artwork was exhibited throughout Santa Barbara and Ventura Counties. In their later years, Maria and Chuck settled back in Camarillo, California, which she called home until her passing.

Affectionately known as "Mia," she was a vibrant, accomplished, and devoted wife and mother to her three sons: Charlie Mead, David Mead, and Dean Mead. Family was at the heart of everything she did, and she took immense pride in nurturing a home filled with warmth, curiosity, laughter, and love.

Maria was a gifted and passionate artist whose talent as a painter quietly spoke volumes. Though always humble about her abilities, her artwork was celebrated and displayed in numerous fine galleries and exhibitions throughout Santa Barbara and Ventura Counties. Her creativity was an extension of her spirit-thoughtful, expressive, and full of life.

She embraced life wholeheartedly and found joy in reading novels, swimming, traveling, painting, and spending meaningful time with her many cherished friends. A lifelong student, Maria believed there was always room to learn, grow, and gain wisdom from the world around her.

Her favorite saying, "Veni, Vidi, Vici" - "I came, I saw, I conquered" - perfectly reflected her adventurous spirit, resilience, and confidence in embracing life's journey.

Maria is survived by her loving husband, Chuck Mead; her sons, Charlie Mead, David Mead, and Dean Mead; her daughters-in-law, Lisa Mead and Julie Mead; and her beloved grandchildren, Nicholas Mead, Kara Grassauer and spouse Erik Grassauer, Caitlin Mead, and Jack Mead. She is also survived by her great-grandchildren, Adley Grassauer and Brooke Grassauer.

She is lovingly remembered by her sister, Louisa Silva Cuthbert, and brother-in-law, Lorin Cuthbert, as well as her nieces and nephews: Raquel Silva, Amy Massa, Megan Silva, Nathan Cuthbert, Kylie McAfee, Lindsay Silva, Kacie Silva and Antonio Silva.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Maria Palmira da Silva and Antonio Agostinho da Silva, and her brother, John Silva.

Maria Augusta Mead will be remembered for her creativity, kindness, curiosity, and the profound love she gave to her family and friends. Her legacy lives on in the art she created, the lives she touched, and the family she cherished so deeply.