Maria C. Cabral

Maria do Carmo Batista Rego Cabral passed away peacefully as she had always hoped, at home surrounded by family. Maria was born (and raised) on the island of Santa Maria, in the Azores on July 15, 1939 to Manuel and Angelina (Batista) Rego. As the family’s oldest daughter, Maria left school at nine years old to help support her family after her father’s early death. Maria immigrated to the United States in 1968 to marry her fiancé who had previously emigrated from the Azores. Tragically, he passed away days before their wedding; leaving Maria and their daughter in the United States.

With the support of friends, Maria met and married Januario Cabral. Together, they raised two children, Ema and George. Maria strongly motivated her children to take advantage of educational and professional opportunities that she did not have as a child. Motivated by her desire to vote, Maria became a citizen of the United States. Throughout the years, Maria was employed at Entwistle and Independent Cable in Hudson. Ultimately, Maria settled at Data General in Westboro, where she assembled computer boards, took English classes and advanced her way to becoming a group leader. During her retirement, Maria intermittently spent time in Santa Maria, caring for her mother, and then in Connecticut, with her grandsons, Ethan and Joshua, whom she loved with all her heart. For those who knew Maria, they can attest to her incredible sewing and cooking skills (her famous Cavacas and Rose De Coque). We will miss her boisterous personality, honest opinions and the unending fountain of love that was her heart.

Even during her decade long battle with Alzheimer’s, Maria never failed to recognize her loved ones, and this allowed her life to be filled with contentment until the very end.

Maria is survived by her husband of 52 years, Januario R. Cabral, of Hudson and their two children; Ema Cabral Burke and her husband, Gary Burke of Canton, CT and George Batista Cabral and his wife, Amélie Cabral of Marlborough. She also leaves behind her two grandsons, Ethan Burke and Joshua Burke. She is survived by her sister Gloria Hinchey- Paz of Hudson, brother Manuel Rego and his wife MaryBeth Rego of Clinton, sisters-in-law Elisia Rego of Lowell and Lucrenia Maria Rego of Hudson, brother and sister-in-law, João Luís Paulino and Estrela Paulino of Hudson, as well as a large extended family of many in-laws, godchildren, nieces, nephews and cousins.

Maria was predeceased by her siblings, José Batista Rego, João Batista Rego and Fernanda L. (Rego) Brasil. As well as her nephews Eduardo Rego and Nicholas Rego, Padrinho Joãozinho Magalhães and father of her daughter, Fernando Armas. Maria was also predeceased by her good friend Helena Cabal.

Maria’s family extends thanks to Baypath Elder Services in Marlborough, MA and Maria’s Home Health Aide Gloris Miranda. Without Gloris’ daily support, Maria would not have been able to live out her final days at home as she wished.

Relatives and friends are invited to a period of visitation from 4 PM to 7 PM on Friday, March 17, 2023 at Tighe Hamilton Regional Funeral Home, 50 Central St., Hudson, MA. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 9AM on Saturday, March 18, 2023 at Saint Michael Parish, 21 Manning St., Hudson, MA; followed by a procession to Saint Michael Cemetery in Hudson for Committal Services.

Those who wish to send flowers, Edinboro Flower Shop of Marlborough, (508) 485-5852, will be creating floral arrangements for Maria’s family with a unique theme.