Maria L. (Pereira) Goncalves, age 93, passed away peacefully on March 7, 2026. She was born on December 9, 1932, in Portugal, daughter of the late Joaquin and Esoura (Carvalho) Pereira. Maria grew up in Portugal helping care for her siblings, where she met her husband. Together they moved to the United States with their five children, where Maria worked as a seamstress for most of her life. She enjoyed gardening, cooking, sewing, and above all, spending time with her family.
Maria was a caring and loving mother and grandmother, and she will be tremendously missed by her family.
She was predeceased by her husband, Antonio Goncalves, who passed away in 2001; her son, Adelino Goncalves; and two brothers.
She is survived by her son, Antonio “Tony” Goncalves of Chicopee; three daughters, Maria Goncalves of Chicopee, Rosa Czerwiecki of Chicopee, and Ceu Sutter of Vermont; one brother, Joaquin Pereira of Portugal; two sisters, Luisa and Celeste; six grandchildren, Crystal Williams, Jennifer Edwards, Cody Goncalves, Devon Goncalves, and Stephanie Sutter; and seven great-grandchildren.
Calling hours will be held on the morning of the funeral, Monday, March 16, 2026, from 9:30 – 10:30 AM at the Grise Funeral Home, 280 Springfield St., Chicopee, followed by a Mass of Christian burial at 11:00 AM at St. Anthony of Padua Church. Burial will take place in Calvary Cemetery.
For online condolences, please visit www.GriseFH.com (http://www.grisefh.com/)