FALL RIVER – Maria Helen (Gonsalves) Aguiar, age 82 of Fall River, passed away peacefully in the comforts of her home with her loving family by her side. Born in Santo António, alem Capelas, São Miguel, Açores, she was the wife of the late Miguel S. Aguiar & the late Firmino D. Sousa and the daughter of the late Augustine & Maria Teresa (Couto-Cabral) Gonsalves.
Survivors include her beloved son: Michael Aguiar; her loving granddaughter: Sierra Aguiar; her siblings: Maria Theresa Tavares (husband Ernest), Lydia Gonsalves, Augustine “Gus” Gonsalves (wife Patrice) all of Fall River; many nieces & nephews. She was the sister of the late Maria C. “Connie” (Gonsalves) Aguiar.
Helen was a devoted Catholic; she belonged to many church organizations and had faith like no other. She was a member of St. Michael`s Church, it`s Holy Rosary solidity, and a member of St. Michael`s Feast Committee. Her favorite church activities included going to daily mass, adoration and being known as the “Bazaar Lady”. She and her sister worked in the bazaar at both Saint Michaels and at the Grande Festas do Divine Espirito Santo do Kennedy Park. In 1990, she was the recipient of the Marian Medal, given by Cardinal Sean O’Malley.
Aside from her Church activities, Helen enjoyed being adventurous. She and her late Husband Firmino, owned Sousa Bus Line where they ran many lines to Foxwoods, Mohegan Sun, and other destinations. She loved making lots of near and dear friends along the way.
Cooking and baking were her passion. She was known for her three course lunch meals for her son and granddaughter and always made sure it was topped off with some kind of yummy dessert. She was also known for being the FFA or “Frequent Funeral Attendee”. She loved visiting families in their time of need and showing lots of support and love.
A heart filled thank you to Gilberta Reis who never left her bedside. Helen will be missed by her many friends, and especially her family. She was always there to lend a hand to whoever needed it.
Her funeral will take place from the Manuel Rogers & Sons Funeral Home, 1521 N. Main St. Fall River on Tuesday, Oct. 23rd here at 9:30 A.M. followed by a Mass of Christian Burial in St. Michael’s Church at 11:00 A.M. Interment in St. Patrick’s Cemetery. Calling hours Monday 4-8 P.M.