Maria Cecilia DeAlmeida

Maria Cecilia DeAlmeida, born on April 15, 1927, in Espinho, Portugal, passed away peacefully at the age of 97, surrounded by her loving family.

Maria built a life grounded by a deep faith in God and filled with love, tradition, and generosity. She worked as a seamstress all her life in boutiques, wedding shops and serving private clients, where her skill and artistry were evident in every stitch. A devoted mother and grandmother, she cherished time spent with her son, Carlos DeAlmeida, and his wife Nancy; her daughter, Rose Ann Holewinski, and her husband, Robert; and her beloved grandchildren, Emily and her husband, Dan; Hayden; and Eric.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 66 years, Jorge DeAlmeida; her sisters, Celeste and Isabel; her brother-in-law, Jose DeAlmeida; and her niece, Lilinha. She remained deeply connected to her extended family, including her sister-in-law, Maria Estrela; nieces Paula and Fatima; and nephews, Paulo Jorge, Jorge, Tony, and Zé.

Maria immigrated to the US with her young son, Carlos in 1961, joining Jorge who came to the US a year earlier on a work visa. They originally lived in Newark, raised their family in Bloomfield, and spent their later years in Ramsey. Maria maintained many friendships during her lifetime and was happy to make many new friends in the Ramsey area over the last several years.

Maria found great joy in returning to her seaside hometown of Espinho during the summers, reconnecting with lifelong friends and family. She was an exceptional cook who delighted in hosting family celebrations featuring traditional Portuguese cuisine, always accompanied by Port wine and exquisite desserts.

A passionate soccer fan, Maria followed the Portugal National Team and Benfica Club with unwavering enthusiasm. She also had a kind heart for those in need, always offering a thoughtful gift or a kind word to brighten someone’s day.

Maria lived a long and fulfilling life, leaving behind a legacy of warmth and generosity. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

Memorial Visitation will be held on Thursday, March 6, 2025 from 6 PM - 8 PM at Van Emburgh-Sneider-Pernice Funeral Home, 109 Darlington Avenue, Ramsey, NJ. A memorial mass will be celebrated on Friday, March 7, 2025 at 10 AM at St. Paul R.C. Church in Ramsey. 

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