1
tree
planted in memory of Maria Gracinda (Fatal) Leitao
Obituary for Maria Gracinda (Fatal) Leitao
Maria Gracinda (Fatal) Leitao, 89, of Ludlow died peacefully at her home on April 25, 2021 in the loving arms of her family after her decade long battle with Alzheimer's Disease. Maria was born on April 20, 1932 in Chicopee, Massachusetts. As a baby, due to the Depression, her family immigrated back to Sobral da Lagoa, Portugal. Maria spent her formative years there and met and married the love of her life Francisco Leitao. She returned to America in her early twenties and settled in Ludlow for the rest of life. Maria was a devoted, dedicated, and loving wife, mother, and Vovo. She worked hard to balance her life as a working mother, a partner in supporting her husband's career and a loving parent and friend to her son and daughter; always tending to their every need. She adored her 5 grandchildren and took such pride and joy in helping raise them and they in turn loved and adored her. She was completely selfless. She was happiest surrounded by family and loved her nightly gatherings with cake, coffee, and a game of cards. She hosted many larger family gatherings where you would always find her in the kitchen cooking or doting on a family member. Maria was strong, independent, and a woman of few words, but through humor, a simple look or gesture, she always got her point across. Maria brought such class to everything she did, she loved fashion and demanded that we always looked nice. She travelled extensively with her husband and every year they spent the winter months in Sand Key, Florida. Maria was an unbelievable dancer, her and Francisco lit up the dance floor and it made you smile to watch them. She had such faith and a devoted belief in God that helped her throughout her life. Maria is survived by her husband of almost 70 years Francisco Leitao; her daughter Kathleen Leitao Bernardo; her grandchildren James, Victoria, and Veronica Bernardo; Christopher Leitao, his wife Audrey, and Bryant Leitao; her great-grandchildren Emelyn and Mitchell; her goddaughter/niece Elizabeth Knox, husband Anthony, and great-nieces Gabriella and Erika Knox; as well as countless nieces, nephews, cousins, family members, and friends. A special note of gratitude to Evonne Ferreira for being a loving, devoted caregiver and friend. Maria is predeceased by her beloved son Manuel Leitao, her son-in-law James Bernardo, her sister Matilde Lopes, her two brothers Anthony and Avelino Fatal, and her niece Francelina Moreira and husband Fernando. Maria will be forever in our hearts, terribly missed, and never forgotten. Funeral services for Maria will be held on Monday May 3, 2021. Family and friends are asked to gather directly at Our Lady of Fatima Church at 10:00am for a Liturgy of Christian Burial followed by a procession to St. Aloysius Cemetery. Walk thru visiting hours, observing social distancing and non contact with Maria’s family will be Sunday afternoon from 3:00-5:00pm at Ludlow Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers it was the wish of Maria’s family that donations be made in her memory to: Alzheimer's Association @ alz.org
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Previous Events
Visitation
Sunday
2
May
3:00 PM
- 5:00 PM
Ludlow Funeral Home
432 East St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Funeral Liturgy
Monday
3
May
10:00 AM
Our Lady of Fatima Parish
438 Winsor Street
Ludlow, MA 01056
Cemetery Details
Location
St. Aloysius Cemetery
1273 Berkshire Avenue
Indian Orchard, Ma 01151
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