Hilda M. Abreu, a lifelong resident of Woburn passed away peacefully at her home with her family by her side, August 7, 2019. She was 90 years of age. Hilda was the beloved wife of John J. Abreu, Sr. and together they shared 68 years of marriage. Born in Woburn, Hilda was the daughter of the late Manuel and Mary J. (Goncalves) Pereira.
Hilda was a Woburn High School Graduate with the class of 1948. She was a member of the Portugese American Recreation Club where her father was a founding member. Over the years Hilda looked forward to attending and helping to work at the club for its annual festival that was held every August. Hilda also worked for many years at the Woburn Daily Times Chronicle, where she would greet people at the main entrance and help them with their different requests, whether it was about placing an advertisement in the paper or establishing delivery she was always willing to help. Hilda was also a talented seamstress and worked for many years out of her home. She first started sewing for her family and extended family but it eventually grew into a small side business that helped to provide with her families needs as her children grew.
Hilda took great comfort in her strong Catholic faith and for the majority of her life she was a daily communicant at St. Charles Borromeo Church. Along with her faith, Hilda's primary focus in life was her family. She loved to cook, bake and host holidays and family events. She was happiest when she was surrounded by those she loved so she could provide for them. Over the years Hilda also enjoyed bowling, singing and dancing. She will fondly be remembered for her warmth and kindness, as a devoted homemaker, wife, mother and grandmother always making sure her home was a welcoming place for her family and friends.
In addition to her husband, Hilda is survived by her children, John J. Abreu, Jr. and his wife Mimma, Paul D. Abreu and his companion Jean Conley, Joanne Marie Doherty and her husband Bob, all of Woburn. She was the loving grandmother of Paul Jr., Alyson, John III, and Justin Abreu, Jeffrey, Christopher and Shannon Doherty, and the late Kristen Abreu. Loving great grandmother of Laila, Waylon, Rose, Isabella and Briella. Cherished sister of Adeline Sweeney of Woburn, the late Bernadette Bacigalupo and James Pereira. Also survived by several loving nieces and nephews. Hilda's family would also like to acknowledge Susan Orr of the Compassionate Care Hospice Team for her truly extraordinary care that she lovingly provided to Hilda and her family during this difficult transition.
Funeral services will be held from the McLaughlin - Dello Russo Family Funeral Home, 60 Pleasant St., WOBURN, Monday, August 12th, at 9 a.m. followed by a funeral Mass celebrated in St. Charles Borromeo Church, 280 Main St., Woburn, at 10 a.m. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend. Visiting hours will be held on Sunday from 1 to 4 p.m. Services will conclude with burial at Calvary Cemetery, Winchester. It has been requested that in lieu of flowers contributions may be made in Hilda's memory to the Amedisys Foundation C/O Compassionate Care Hospice, 800 West Cummings Park, Suite 3100, Woburn, MA 01801.