Noémia Lobão Santos, a loving wife, devoted mother, cherished grandmother, and great-grandmother, passed away on July 19, 2026 in Lowell surrounded by her loving family. Born on December 15, 1930, in Graciosa, Azores, she was the daughter of the late Antonio Augusto Lobão and Luzia da Conceicão Lobão. She was the beloved wife of the late Carlos Santos, with whom she celebrated 63 years of marriages union filled with devotion, laughter, and unwavering love.
In March of 1963, Noémia made the courageous journey to the United States to give her family a better life. She worked with dedication and pride for over 25 years at Grace Shoe in Lowell and later at Wang Laboratories for 15 years. Deeply rooted in her faith and community, she was a communicant of St. Anthony's Church, a lifetime member of the Holy Ghost Society, and an active member of the Portuguese Senior Center. She also participated joyfully in the Portuguese Seniors Folklore Dance group “Terceira Idade”, embracing her heritage with pride.
Noémia loved laughter, and her humor was so contagious it could light up an entire room. She adored fashion and always dressed beautifully, often saying, "the more sparkle, the better." She treasured trips with her daughter to New York City, Boston's Top of the Hub Restaurant, Foxwoods, Pickity Place, and shopping excursions that brought her joy. Above all, her greatest happiness came from simply being with her children and grandchildren, who were the heart of her world.
She is survived by her three children: Carlos (Carlinhos) Santos and his wife Guadalupe of Hudson, NH; Dolores (Santos) Lopes and her husband Frank of North Chelmsford; and Kenneth (Kenny) Santos and his wife Manuela of Tewksbury.
She leaves behind seven grandchildren: Denny Santos, Derek Santos and his wife Keri of Hudson, NH; Vanessa (Lopes) Cheney and her husband Stephen of Weymouth; Matthew Lopes and his wife Jennifer of Groton; Christopher Lopes, Kurt Santos, and Celina Santos.
She also leaves seven great-grandchildren: Devon Santos, Austin Lopes, Maddie Lopes, Adian Santos, Lilliana Santos, Lola Cheney, and Owen Cheney, along with many nieces and nephews who loved her dearly.
Noémia was the youngest of ten siblings: the late Deidmina Sousa, Maria Dias, Herminia Lima, Alice Felix, Irene (Lourdes) Leandro, Libia Mello, Ilda Sousa, Manuel Lobão, and Noémia Augusta da Cunha. She was also the sister-in-law of the late Felisminia Lobão, Casimiro Sousa, Jose Dias, Ivo Lima, Arlindo Mello, Aristides Sousa, Manuel Felix, and Frank Leandro of Graciosa.
The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the staff at Northwood Rehabilitation and Health Center for the kindness, care, and compassion they showed Noémia throughout her time there. They also wish to thank PRIDEstar EMS for their service and Beacon Hospice Care for their exceptional compassion.
Noémia's legacy is one of love, resilience, faith, and joy a life that sparkled brightly and touched everyone fortunate enough to know her.
On Sunday, July 26, 2026 all are welcome to attend her calling hours from 5-7 p.m. at McDonough Funeral Home, 14 Highland Street, Lowell 978-458-6816. Her funeral will begin on Monday 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. Mary Cemetery in Tewksbury. Arrangements are under the care and direction of McDonough Funeral Home. For additional information or to offer an online condolence, please visit www.mcdonoughfuneralhome.com.