Maria P. Rio

Maria Jose Sousa Pinto Rio, 89, of Hudson Mass. born on June 8, 1936 in Miserela, Guarda, Portugal.

Maria, A devoted matriarch, wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, aunt and friend, passed away peacefully on January 10, 2026, at Umass Memorial Medical Center in Marlboro, Massachusetts surrounded by her loving daughters, Donna and Cindy, her grandchildren, and other loving family members.

Maria ‘s life was remembered by her dedication and commitment to her family, her faith and heritage. She was a beautiful woman inside and out and was extremely proud to be Portuguese.

Maria’s journey began with her father immigrating to the United States 3 years prior, paving the way for her family to join him in Hudson on September 15, 1954. Settling into her new life in the United States as an immigrant, Maria would soon become a U.S. Citizen and a well-known presence in her neighborhood and Portuguese community, that is where she met her husband Alfred in 1955, and soon after they married on June 1, 1957.

She was a beloved figure by many and was very involved with the Hudson Portuguese Club. Maria’s remarkable work ethic began with various roles at local companies, she started her first job at the Braga shoe company in 1954 and then onto Thomas Taylor Company on Cherry Street and then H. H. Scott Company and ending at Data Terminal Systems in Maynard where she made the heartfelt decision to retire at a young age of 49 to dedicate herself to help her family.

Her commitment to her loved ones and her Portuguese traditions anchored her life and she always prioritized her family above all else. Loyalty defined Maria‘s character. She was a woman who was elegant, graceful and beautiful both in appearance and Spirit.

Known for her stubbornness and her beliefs, she was equally known for her caring and giving nature to all. She always focused on what was best for her family. Family always came first for her. Her energy and passion were evident in everything she undertook, leaving lasting memories in the hearts of many, and all those who knew her.

Maria was an active member of St. Michael’s Parish in Hudson, she took on numerous roles within the Portuguese community and was an avid member of the Hudson Portuguese Club.

She was a true dedicated worshiper of the Lady of Fatima, her patron saint and a member of The Ladies of Sodality for many years.

She was an enthusiastic participant in the folklore dancers of the Hudson Portuguese Club along with her dedication and time to organizing and supporting various feasts and events that took place there. Which highlighted her unyielding love for her heritage and family.

Maria was a passionate cook and baker, she expressed her love through her culinary creations for her family and friends. Whether it was her Calde Verde Soup., her spicy Shrimp Mozambique, Hi Portuguese cookies or the one and only Walnut Glory Sponge Cake, her kitchen was always a welcoming place of love where her family and friends could always gather together to not only enjoy her food but to make lasting memories with her.

She also found great joy in dancing with her husband, Alfred at many of the Hudson Portuguese Club dinner dances that they attended. She loved listening to Portuguese music, especially Fados by Amalia Rodrigues that she truly enjoyed singing along to while in her home.

Some of her other passions in life were crocheting, quite often with her mother and together making beautiful afghans as heirlooms for the family.

She also loved gardening, where she had such amazing, beautiful flower gardens surrounding her home.

She enjoyed playing bingo and going to the casino with her husband and traveling with him, family and friends all over the world, favoring Europe, and the Caribbean.

Maria’s most proudest accomplishment was her family where she instilled many of the Portuguese traditions for them to carry on.

Maria was such a strong, resilient woman who persevered through so many challenges in her life.

She is survived by her loving daughters, Donna M. Rio-DiBlasi and her partner, John Welch, and her daughter Cynthia Rio-Bacon.

Her legacy continues through her grandchildren: Charles J. Bacon II and his partner Meghan McGorty, Thomas D. DiBlasi and his wife Danielle Dignan-DiBlasi, Christopher P. Bacon and his partner Kayla Stephens, Nicholas D. DiBlasi, Celina M. Bacon-Hass and her husband Ryan Hass, Jessica Welch-Wood. As well as her great grandchildren: Caleb J. A. Bacon, Riley M. J. Bacon-Hass, Charley J. Bacon, Oakley J. Bacon. Along with Maria’s granddaughter‘s very close friend, Alexis King and her husband Will and their children Tobias and Julian, and Jessica‘s two children, Macklin and Cora all of whom Maria and Alfred adopted as their own grandchildren as well as her sweet little cat Cindy.

Maria is also survived by her sisters Irene Texiera, Alexandrina Cardoso, Lucia Lampinen and her husband Jack, along with numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends including her long time, best friend Joanne Frias and her very dear friends, Joel L. Kubilis, Shana Schroth, Zaira Pires, Ruben and Fatima Sousa for all their help, love and kindness that they brought into her life.

Maria was pre-deceased six weeks prior, by her beloved husband of 68 years, Alfred Joseph Perry Rio, her father Diamantino Roque Pinto, her mother, Maria de Gia Sousa Pinto and siblings Cipriano Pinto, Natércia Pinto, Lourdes Pinto and Constância Pinto.

Maria was such a strong, resilient woman who persevered through so many challenges in her life. Maria’s vibrant, beautiful spirit and profound love will be remembered by all those, whose lives she had touched.

Maria J. S. Pinto-Rio leaves behind a rich legacy of unconditional, love, lineage, tradition, dedication, and unwavering devotion to her family and community, touching the lives of many. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered in the hearts of many.

Visitation will be held on Friday, January 23, 2026, from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at the Tighe Hamilton Regional Funeral Home located at 50 Central St., Hudson, Mass. 01749.

A Mass of Christian burial will take place on Saturday, January 24, 2026, at 11:00 AM at St Michael’s Parish, 21 Manning St., Hudson, Mass. With a burial to follow at St. Michael’s Cemetery at 12:00 PM.