Naugatuck, CT Maria Fernandes Tavares, 90, the wife of Americo Tavares, died peacefully on May 31, 2018 at Glendale Center surrounded by her loving family.

Maria was born March 23, 1928 in Monte Murtosa, Portugal a daughter of the late Artur Fernandes and Domingas Luisa DaSilva Fernandes and had lived in Naugatuck for the past 58 years. Maria worked throughout her life at various places, including the Naugatuck Glass Company and Uniyoyal Chemical. She was a devout parishioner of Our Lady of Fatima Church and a member of the church Rosary Society. Maria loved her family and especially enjoyed traveling with her husband every summer to their home in Torreira, Portugal.

In addition to Americo, her husband of 66 years, Maria is survived by her daughters, Maria Magalhaes (Jack) and Domingas Rebelo (Celestino); her son, Americo Tavares; her 9 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren; her sister, Balbina Nunes; her sister in law, Ludovina Tavares and her many nieces, nephews and cousins. In addition to her parents, Maria was predeceased by her brothers, Jacinto, Jose and Manuel Fernandes.

Maria’s family would like to thank the staff at Glendale Center and VITAS for the excellent care that they provided.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Monday at 10:00am at Our Lady of Fatima Church, 2071 Baldwin Street, Waterbury. Everyone is kindly asked to meet directly at church. Burial will follow in St. James Cemetery, Naugatuck. Calling hours are Sunday from 4:00 to 7:00pm at the Buckmiller Thurston Mengacci Funeral Home, 82 Fairview Avenue, Naugatuck. In lieu of flowers, and to honor Maria’s memory contributions can be made to Our Lady of Fatima Church, 2071 Baldwin Street, Waterbury, CT 06706.