Maria José Pacheco de Olival, 99, entered eternal life on Thursday, Jan. 2, 2025 at Danbury Hospital. She was the wife of the late Manuel Pereira Luis. Maria was born Sept. 30, 1925, in Vila Soeiro do Chão, Fornos de Algodres, Portugal. Daughter of the late Antonio Olival and Patrocinia Pacheco, she was the youngest of eight siblings. On October 30,1948 she married Manuel and they shared 60 memorable and fulfilling years together until his passing in 2009. She immigrated to the United States in 1981, and had lived in Danbury for the past 44 years. Maria worked at Tenax Corp. in Danbury, producing medical equipment until her retirement in 2000. Devoted to her faith, Maria prayed the rosary every night to Our Lady of Fatima. Her home was always filled with warmth and hospitality, where everyone enjoyed her cooking, and her famous Portuguese homemade cheese. Her door was open to all and she loved taking care of her family, whether it was the holidays, or a random summer day when many of our memories were made with her. Above all, her greatest joy and proudest achievement was her family; her beloved children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren were her most cherished blessings. She will be immensely missed by her family and all who knew her.
She is survived by her nine children: Antonio Pereira, Patrocinia Pereira, Maria Rosa Albuquerque, Maria Alina Luis, Deolinda Marques, Manuel Pereira, Emilia Cardoso, Lurdes Mendes and Leonel Luis, all of Danbury; 11 grandchildren, Anabela Pereira, Antonio Manuel Albuquerque, Raul Albuquerque, Paulo Pereira, Nelson Marques, Jennifer Cardoso, David Cardoso, Brian Mendes, Jason Mendes, Cristina Pereira DeSousa, Carla Pereira. 8 great-grandchildren; Julia Signorelli, Jack Signorelli, Lauren Pereira, Gisele Pereira, Dylan Joaquim Rowell, David Cardoso, Leo Cardoso, and Evan Albuquerque. As well as daughter in laws, son in laws, brother in laws, sister in laws, nieces, nephews, and cousins here in Danbury, Portugal, France, and Brazil. In addition to her husband , Maria was predeceased by her parents, all of her siblings, and several nieces and nephews.
The family will receive friends and family at Green Funeral Home in Danbury on Tuesday from 5:00 to 8:00 pm.
A mass of Christian burial will be held at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in Danbury, Wednesday at 10:30 am.
Entombment and a Funeral will take place in Maria’s hometown of Vila Soeiro do Chão, Portugal.
