Maria (Cunha) Bettencourt
LOWELL Maria (Cunha) Bettencourt, 87, of Lowell, passed away Monday, November 14, 2016 at Northwood Nursing Home. She was the widow of the late Manuel S. Bettencourt who passed away in 2006 with whom she celebrated 54 years of marriage.
She was born in Graciosa, Azores, Portugal on March 31, 1929 and was a daughter of the late Jose Espinola, and the late Carlota (Avila) Espinola. In 1968 she relocated to the United States, settling in Lowell, with her husband to provide a better life for their family.
For over 40 years, Maria made her home on Pleasant Street and was a communicant of St. Anthony Church and a member of Holy Ghost Society. Maria was a devoted caretaker and loved spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She was also very fond of her pet birds, which brought her much joy.
She is survived by her two children, Hilda M. Bettencourt and George M. Bettencourt, and his companion, Raffaella Castaldi, all of Lowell; and two grandchildren, George M. Bettencourt of Lowell and Steven M. Bettencourt of Manchester, NH. She is also survived by two great grandchildren, Jayden and Jacoby Bettencourt; her sisters in law, Maria H. Lima of Lowell, Malvina Silva and her husband, Manuel, of Lowell and many nieces and nephews.
Maria was also the sister of the late George Cunha and the late Jose Cunha; and daughter-in-law of the late Manuel E. and the late Maria G. Bettencourt.

ON WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 16, YOU ARE INVITED TO HER CALLING HOURS FROM 4 UNTIL 8 P.M. AT THE MCDONOUGH FUNERAL HOME, 14 HIGHLAND STREET, LOWELL, 978-458-6816.

ON THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 17, HER FUNERAL WILL BEGIN AT THE FUNERAL HOME AT 9 A.M.. HER FUNERAL MASS WILL BE OFFERED AT 10 A.M.. AT ST. ANTHONY CHURCH, 893 CENTRAL STREET, LOWELL.

A PROCESSION WILL FOLLOW FOR BURIAL AT ST. MARY CEMETERY IN TEWKSBURY.