Below is an obituary from Nichols Funeral Home:
WILMINGTON, MA — Maria “Gloria” Sousa, age 78, of Wilmington, formerly of Medford, passed away on August 22, 2025, at the Lahey Hospital in Burlington.
Gloria was born on June 29, 1947, in San Miguel, Azores, Portugal; she was the cherished daughter of the late Manuel Borges and Francelina Barbosa Borges. Gloria was raised in San Miguel and was part of a loving Portuguese family.
Gloria married Jose “Joe” Sousa on July 23, 1966; the couple moved to the United States in the late 1960’s and settled in the Cambridge area before moving to Medford where they raised their family and later in life settled in Wilmington.
Gloria was very devoted and nurturing to her family and friends. She was always helping everyone and was the ultimate caregiver. Gloria made a beautiful and welcoming home; her door was always open to family and friends, and she made everyone feel welcomed and loved. Gloria enjoyed cooking and spending time in her yard with her husband Joe.
Gloria’s children were always her priority; and was so proud of the adults that have become. When Gloria’s grandchildren were born her world became brighter; she treasured the time spent with her grandkids; they were her pride and joy.
In her spare time, Gloria enjoyed shopping, heading out to the casino or buying an occasional scratch ticket just to try her luck, and visiting with family and friends. She was a social butterfly who enjoyed being around people. Gloria had an endearing personality, and people were drawn to her; she was loved by so many and will forever live on in their hearts.
Gloria was the beloved wife of the late Jose “Joe” Sousa, devoted mother of Natalie Sousa, Shawn Sousa & his wife Vanessa all of Wilmington, loving “Grandma” to Harper, Mason, and “Minha mai” to Kelsey and Kyle, dear sister of Mario Borges of Portugal. Gloria leaves behind an extended family and friends in Canada and Portugal.
Family and friends are welcome to attended on Tuesday, August 26th at 11:00 AM a Mass of Christian Burial in St. Thomas Church, 126 Middlesex Ave., Wilmington, MA. Interment will take place in Wildwood Cemetery, Wilmington, MA.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Gloria’s memory may be made to the American Stroke Association at http://www.stroke.org
Arrangements are under the direction of the Nichols Funeral Home, Wilmington, MA. To leave a message of condolence for the family please visit our website at www.nicholsfuneralhome.com.
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