Maria Afonso, a beloved mother, grandmother, daughter, and sister, passed away peacefully on September 11, 2025, at the age of 61. Born on June 14, 1964, in Portugal, Maria embraced life with strength, resilience, and an unwavering spirit. She was a proud single mother who devoted herself to raising her daughter, Monica Matesic, while successfully running her own business.
Maria's life was marked by her ability to balance her professional ambitions with her dedication to her family. She was not only a nurturing mother to Monica & her husband John but also a proud "Vó" to her cherished grandchildren, Nina and Luke Matesic. Her love and wisdom will be forever imprinted on the hearts of her family and friends.
Dear sister of Joaquim Afonso Pereira & his wife Maria Alcinda Pereira, José Carlos Afonso Pereira & his wife Florinda Alfarela Pereira and Sao & her husband Alberto Carvalho. Cherished aunt of Dayen Smith. Maria's departure leaves a profound void in the lives of all who knew her.
Family and friends will gather to honor Maria's life during the following services:
Visitation Sunday 11AM-1PM at the Ippolito-Stellato Funeral Home, 7 Two Bridges Rd. Fairfield. Funeral Mass Monday 10:30am St. Aloysius Church, Caldwell. Entombment Holy Cross Mausoleum.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Maria Afonso, please visit our flower store.