Maria J. Dias, 66, of Brockton died Tuesday November 25, 2014 lovingly surrounded by her family at the Braemoor Health Center in Brockton. She was born in Brava Cape Verde and was the daughter of the late Jose and Amelia (Tavares) Dias. When arriving from Cape Verde to the United States Maria first settled in Somerville before moving to Brockton in 1988.
She was a quiet lady who enjoyed helping others, not one to talk but act; she could be found helping a friend to an appointment, as a resource for job, social or financial advice or just as important, a shoulder to lean on. She was very proud of becoming a US citizen and attending the first adult English class offered in the city of Brockton and supported with the help of then Senator Edward Kennedy.
Maria is survived by her children; Jose Almeida of Chelsea, Amelia Almeida, John Almeida, Benvinda Almeida and Michael Dias all of Brockton; her siblings Eugenia Gomes of Malden, Francisca Pires and Filomena Tavares both of Chelsea, Laurantina Tavares of Brockton and Ermelinda Tavares of Lynn; 12 grandchildren and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
Visiting hours will be held in the Conley Funeral Home 138 Belmont Street (Rte. 123) Brockton on Sunday November 30, 2014 from 2-6pm. The funeral procession will gather at the funeral home on Monday at 10:30 am for a Funeral Mass in St. Edith Stein Church at 11:30 am. Burial in Melrose Cemetery, Brockton.