Maria Salome "Sandy" Faria

Maria Salome Faria passed away peacefully at the age of 86. Born in Faial, Açores, Portugal, to the late Jose G. Moitoso and Angelina Matos, Maria was raised in the picturesque village of Norte Pequeno, Capelo, on the island of Faial in the Açores, where she developed the strong family values, deep faith, and work ethic that would guide her throughout her life.

Maria later immigrated to the United States, where she and her beloved husband of 55 years, the late Andre H. Faria, established their life-long home in Taunton, MA. Together, they built a life centered on faith, family, hard work, and community, creating a loving home and lasting memories for generations.

Maria leaves behind her loving sons, Andre H. Faria Jr. and his wife, Beth, of East Freetown, MA; Dennis M. Faria and his wife Margaret, of Taunton, MA; Paul Faria of Fall River, MA and his former wife Johanna of Taunton, MA; and Michael Faria and his wife, Nancy of Raynham, MA.

She leaves behind the jewels of her heart, her cherished grandchildren, great- grandchildren and their spouses and significant others.

Grandchildren: Nicholas A. Faria and his wife Kelsey of Coventry, RI; Paul R. Faria and his wife Karysa of St. Louis, MO; Courtney A. Faria of Lafayette, LA; Kaitlyn N. Faria and her fiancé Julio of Big Sky, MT; Xavier R. Faria and his fiancée Abigail of New Bedford, MA; Selma R. Faria of Utica, NY; Lily A. Rannacher and her fiancé Robert of New Bedford, MA; Cruz R. Faria of Raynham, MA; Bradey L. Faria of Fall River, MA; Kyle M. Correia and Marcy of New Bedford, MA; Kait M. Taborda and her husband Brett of East Freetown, MA; Kurt M. Correia and his wife Allison of Orange, CT; Jason E. Andrade of Raynham, MA; Eusebio E. Andrade Jr. of Taunton, MA; Shane Andrade and his wife Ashley of Taunton, MA; Jamieson L. Alves of Somerset, MA and London L. Faria of Fall River, MA.

Great-Grandchildren: Ellie L. Faria, Audrey C. Faria, Dean R. Camara, Grant E. Camara, Meredith G. Faria, Ayra R. Andrade, Layla J. Andrade, Sierra L. Andrade, Aleaha M. Andrade and Sylas C. Andrade

Maria is survived by her sister, Matilde Santos of Raynham, MA; her brother, Jose E. Moitoso and his wife Alvarina, of Taunton, MA; and her sister, Olga Fernandes and her husband Joao, of Taunton, MA. She is also survived by her sisters-in-law Fernanda Moitoso, Lasalette Moitoso and Maria H. Faria. In addition, she leaves behind her brothers-in-law Carlos Gonsalves and Manuel Faria and his wife Maria.

She was predeceased by her brother Jose Moitoso and his wife Eduina, her brother Albert Moitoso, her brother Manuel Moitoso and his wife Josefina, her brother Mario Moitoso, her sister Manuela Cunha and her husband Jaime, her sister Idilia Gonsalves, her brother-in-law Jose Santos, her sister-in-law Alvarina Duarte and her husband Joao and her brother-in-law Jose Faria.

She also leaves behind many loving godchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, and dear friends whose lives were touched by her kindness, faith, and love, including her caregiver Ana Pestana who held a uniquely special place in her heart and shared a bond of love, devotion, and family that was treasured by both. The family would also like to express their heartfelt gratitude to the compassionate caregivers, nurses, aides, and staff of LifeCare of Raynham, MA, for the exceptional care, kindness, dignity, and comfort they provided to Maria and her loved ones during her final days.

A devoted communicant of St. Anthony's Catholic Church in Taunton, Maria was a cherished member of the Holy Rosary Sodality and a lay member of the Order of Our Lady of Mount Carmel. Her Catholic faith was the cornerstone of her life and influenced every aspect of how she lived. She prayed and read the Bible daily, watched Catholic television, and had a deep devotion to the Holy Spirit and the Blessed Mother. Above all, she cherished her personal relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ. She lived her faith through prayer, devotion, compassion, humility, and unwavering love for her family. Her strong belief in God guided her throughout her life and provided strength and comfort to those around her.

Professionally, Maria worked as a seamstress where her sewing talents became widely recognized. She was employed by Taunton Sportswear and Whittenton Garment where she was a member of the International Ladies' Garment Workers' Union. She also worked at Renee Curtain, Boyden Plastics and retired from Swank. Maria formed numerous friendships during her working career that lasted throughout her life. Known to many of her friends and co-workers as "Sandy," she was cherished for her warm personality, kindness, and willingness to lend a helping hand to anyone in need.

Maria found great joy in life's simple pleasures. She loved sewing, cooking for family and friends, and spending precious time with her cherished husband, sons, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Nothing brought her greater happiness than gathering with those she loved, sharing meals, celebrating milestones, and creating memories that would last a lifetime. Her unique sense of humor endeared her to many as she was well loved.

Maria also treasured the close-knit neighborhood in which she and her husband made their home and raised their family. She deeply valued the relationships she shared with her many cousins, relatives, neighbors, and lifelong friends. Whether gathering for family celebrations, sharing stories and laughter, or simply spending time together, these relationships brought her great joy and remained an important part of her life throughout the years. Everyone who was close to Maria looked forward to receiving her annual birthday phone call and hearing her sing "Happy Birthday" in her lovely and sweet voice, a cherished tradition that brought smiles to those she loved and created memories that will be treasured forever. Whether known as Maria, Salome, Mom, Vavó, or "Sandy," she will be remembered for her unwavering faith, loving heart, gentle spirit, and deep devotion to her family. Through her kindness, generosity, and steadfast belief in faith and family, she touched countless lives and left a lasting impact on all who knew her. Her life was a beautiful reflection of the values she held dear: devotion to God, dedication to family, hard work, humility, and compassion for others. While her family will deeply miss her presence, they find comfort in knowing that her love, wisdom, and faith will continue to live on through the generations she nurtured, guided, and helped shape. Her memory will forever remain in the hearts of all who were blessed to know and love her.

Maria’s funeral will be held on Wednesday, September 30, 2026, at 8:30am from the Silva Funeral Home 80 Broadway (at Saint Mary’s Square) Taunton, with a Mass of Christian Burial at 10am in Saint Anthony Church School Street, Taunton.

Interment will follow in Saint Joseph Cemetery.

Visiting hours will be held on Tuesday, September 29th from 4 to 7pm in the Silva Funeral Home.

Additional parking with handicap access is located on the North side of the funeral home.

For expressions of sympathy, to sign an online guestbook, to plant a tree in her memory or to light a memorial candle, visit www.silvafuneralhome.com