Maria Benedita Santos

Obituary

New Bedford – Maria Benedita (dos Santos Pinhancos) Santos, 79, died Thursday, May 12, 2022 at St. Luke’s Hospital. She was the wife of William E. Santos; they were married 42 years. Maria wed her husband, Bill in Portugal at the Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima.

Born in Linhares, Portugal, the daughter of the late Jose Pinto Pinhancos and Maria da Conceicao dos Santos, she was a resident of New Bedford.

She came to the U.S. in 1979, intending to be a bilingual teacher. Instead, she fell in love, working with flowers at Sowle the Florist which her husband purchased from the former owner. When Bill retired, Maria took over the business.

Maria had a loving compassion toward those needing help. She was always there for them. Her passion and love of people and flowers were an inspiration for all.

Maria, a faithful Catholic, was very involved in the activities and affairs at the former St. Kilian Church, as well as St. Anthony of Padua Church.

She served on the board of directors on “Day of Portugal.” She was also a member of the former St. Kilian’s Church Council and a member of French Cotillion.

Survivors include her husband, Bill; a son, William E. Santos II; 4 sisters, Maria do ceu dos Santos Pinhancos, Maria dos Santos Pinhancos, Delfina dos Santos Pinhancos, and Olivia dos Santos Pinhancos; 1 niece, several nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews. She was the sister of the late Rosalia dos Santos Pinhancos.

Visiting hours are Tuesday, May 17, 2022, from 4-7p.m. at Machnowski Funeral Home, 472 Ashley Blvd., New Bedford. Her Funeral Mass is Wednesday, May 18 at 10:30a.m. in Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception Church, New Bedford, followed by burial in White Cemetery, Freetown.

For condolences, please visit www.machnowskifuneral.com.