Maria E. (Mendes) Sousa, 91 formerly of Dracut, passed away peacefully on Friday, February 6, 2026 at Northwood Nursing Home in Lowell. She was the widow of the late Raul C. De Sousa with whom she shared 46 years of marriage before he passed away in 2004.
She was born on February 25, 1934 in Graciosa, Azores, Portugal and was a daughter of the late Raul Mendes and Cremilde (Santos) Mendes. She was raised and educated in Graciosa, where she met and married the love of her life, Raul. They began their family before moving to the United States in 1985, settling in Lowell. She was a devoted communicant of St. Anthony Church and was a member of the Holy Ghost Society.
Maria worked for many years at Old Mother Hubbard. She also worked as a housekeeper, helping wash clothing for hospice and cleaning houses. She enjoyed crocheting and cooking big meals to bring her family together. Above all else, she cherished time with her family making memories.
Surviving Maria is her daughter, Maria Fatima Espinola and her husband, Jose of Florida; a son, Rui Sousa of Chelmsford; five grandchildren, Jason Espinola and his wife Melissa of Windham, Joshua Espinola and his wife Samantha of Dracut, Justin Sousa of Dracut, Allison Sousa of Dracut, and Karissa Espinola of Setubal, Portugal; as well as her three great grandchildren Sophia Espinola, Leo Espinola and Greyson Espinola.
In addition to her husband and parents, she was predeceased by her daughter, the late Olga Maria Sousa.
On Monday, February 16, 2026 all are welcome to attend her calling hours from 2 - 6 p.m. at McDonough Funeral Home, 14 Highland Street, Lowell 978-458-6816.
Her funeral will begin on Tuesday morning at 9 a.m. at the funeral home, followed by her funeral mass at 10 a.m. at St. Anthony Church, 893 Central Street, Lowell. Burial at St. Patrick Cemetery.