Maria Sousa Chaves

Maria Sousa Chaves, 85, of Hudson, MA, passed away peacefully on Saturday, August 23, 2025. She was the beloved wife of the late José Agostinho Chaves, with whom she shared nearly 60 years of marriage.

Maria was born on May 21, 1940, in the village of Azenha, Santa Maria, Azores, the daughter of the late Bernardino Sousa and Maria Resendes Sousa. She married José in Santo Espírito, Santa Maria, and soon after joined him in Hudson, MA, where together they built a life rooted in love and family.

A devoted wife, mother, and grandmother, Maria leaves a legacy with her five sons - Antonio Chaves and his wife Zelia of San Francisco, CA; John Chaves and his wife Irina of East Walpole, MA; Daniel Chaves of Venice, FL; David Chaves and his wife Liliana of Hudson, MA; and Joseph Chaves and his wife Emily of Stoneham, MA. Maria cherished her role as Avó to her seven grandchildren - Benjamin, Daniel, Nicholas, Victoria, Chloe, Andrew, and Thomas. She was talented as a seamstress and was well known for her freshly baked biscoitos which she joyfully shared with loved ones. Maria had a generous heart and often treated many as if they were her own children, sharing her love, care, and guidance freely with all who knew her.

Maria was a parishioner of Saint Michael Parish. She enjoyed spending summers in São Lourenço and West Island.

One of nine children, Maria was predeceased by her siblings Antonio Sousa, João Sousa, José Sousa, Ângelo Sousa, Maria do Carmo, Deolinda Leonardo, and Adelaide Luz. She is survived by her sister Ines Cabral.

Maria’s life was a testament to love, faith, and family. She leaves behind not only her sons and grandchildren but also many nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends who will remember her gentle heart, her warmth, and the way she embraced everyone as her own. Her love was a guiding light, and all who knew her felt the care of a mother’s heart in her presence.

Visiting hours and a Mass of Christian Burial will be announced as soon as possible. Tighe Hamilton Regional Funeral Home is honored to be assisting Maria's family with arrangements.