Maria Irene Pires

Maria Irene Pires, 79, of West Hartford, beloved wife of Manuel F. Pires for 52 years, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, with her loving family by her side.

Born on March 25, 1946, in Pinheiro da Bemposta, Portugal, she was the cherished daughter of the late Jose and Gracinda da Costa Silva. Maria Irene will always be remembered as a devoted wife, sister, mother, grandmother, and friend.

Maria worked at the Hartford Insurance Company and retired after many years of dedicated service. She had a passion for knitting and crocheting and lovingly made clothing for herself, her family, and friends. She had a green thumb and found great joy working in her vegetable garden. Maria loved flowers and plants and would often speak to them as she cared for them. She was an avid cook who enjoyed hosting and preparing meals for those she loved. She also cherished visiting her large family and friends in her homeland of Portugal.

Maria was also a devoted member of Our Lady of Fatima Church, where she attended weekly Mass and often led the prayer of the Rosary. Her greatest joy in life was spending time with her family and friends, especially her beloved grandchildren.

In addition to her husband, Maria leaves behind her daughters, Sandra Pires of West Hartford and Sonia Pires and her husband, Michael Nazare, of West Hartford; and her son, Fernando Pires and his wife, Marta Pires, of West Hartford. She was the proud grandmother of Mia, Andre, Isabel and Benjamin, who will miss her dearly.

Maria was one of eleven children and is survived by several loving brothers and sisters, having been predeceased by the others. She also leaves behind a host of nieces, nephews, and extended family members. Maria's family would like to extend their heartfelt appreciation to the staff at Masonicare Home and Hospice for their care and compassion.

A Calling Hour will be on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at the Sheehan Hilborn Breen Funeral Home, 1084 New Britain Avenue., West Hartford. An 11:00 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial will follow at Our Lady of Fatima Church, 50 Kane St., Hartford, with the burial at West Meadow Cemetery, Newington.

Donations in Maria's memory can be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or to Our Lady of Fatima Church. Online condolences may be made at www.SheehanHilbornBreen.com