Maria Antonia de Freitas Gonçalves, 76, passed away peacefully in her sleep with her loving son by her side on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, at Lahey Hospital & Medical Center.
Born on March 4, 1949, in Lajes, on the island of Flores in the Azores, Portugal. She was the daughter of the late Jorge De Freitas Gonçalves and the late Maria De Lurdes De Freitas Andrade. Maria was raised and educated in her hometown before immigrating to the United States at the age of 31. She settled in Lowell, Massachusetts, which remained her home for the rest of her life.
Maria worked for many years as an assembler at Wang Laboratories, where she was known for her dedication and strong work ethic. Outside of work, she was a woman of deep generosity and quiet strength. She found joy in crocheting and reading romance novels, and she was especially known for her love of baking Portuguese bread, which she shared freely with friends, neighbors and often brought loaves the local shelter, and others in need.
A faithful communicant and longtime member of St. Anthony’s Church, Maria rarely missed a week of worship. Her generosity knew no boundaries, she was always ready to help those in need, especially those experiencing hunger. Her life was marked by selflessness, and she gave whatever she could to ease the burdens of others.
Maria is survived by her beloved son, Terry Zapata of Chelmsford; her cherished granddaughter, Hope Mercier of Manchester, NH; her sister, Zita Gonçalves of Portugal; and her dear lifelong friend, Maria Luisa Neves. She was predeceased by her brother, José Elsino De Freitas Gonçalves .
In lieu of flowers please consider making a donation to the St Jude Childrens Research Hospital at St. Jude Link
You are welcome to attend her funeral on Wednesday, June 25, 2025 Saint Anthony's Church, on Central Street in Lowell. Her visitation will take place at church from 10am until 11am, and her funeral Mass will begin at 11 a.m.. Please meet at church, procession to Saint Mary Cemetery will follow the funeral Mass.