Maria L. (Borges) Mendonca

Beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend;

Maria L. (Borges) Mendonca, 72, of Billerica, Massachusetts, and formerly of Lowell, Massachusetts, passed away peacefully at her home with her loving family by her side.

She was the devoted wife for over 50 years of Joao Mendonca, whom survives her. Maria lovingly ensured that Joao was always well cared for, placing his needs ahead of her own in a thoughtful and selfless manner.

Born in Terceira, Azores, Portugal, on January 24, 1953, she was the daughter of the late Manuel M. and the late Leonor (Silva) Borges. She came to the United States in 1971, as a teenager, where her family immigrated from Portugal for a better life.

Prior to her retirement, Maria worked in housekeeping at New England Pediatric Care for many years. She loved being around and supporting all the children who lived there. Maria provided them with a safe and clean, home away from home. In the years prior, she worked at the GE plant in Burlington, Massachusetts, amongst other professions. No matter where Maria worked she always took pride in her work and maintained a strong work ethic.

However, what was most important to Maria was her love for her family. Maria often expressed her love and affection to her family and friends through her joy of cooking. Her favorite time of the year was cooking during the holidays. None more so than, Thanksgiving, where she prepared her often sought after and well-known flavorful Turkey recipe, lovingly known by the grandkids as  Vovo Maria s Thanksgiving Turkey.  Maria would take the whole week off, to prepare and plan for a Thanksgiving feast. She scoured the grocery stores for the biggest turkey, so that everyone would have leftovers. If the turkey s weren t big enough, she d buy a second turkey. In addition to Thanksgiving, Maria loved Christmas and spreading the Christmas spirit with purchasing gifts and loads of shopping. She took more time off of work to go shopping with her Daughter, Denise, while playing Christmas music and even listening year round. She loved making her most requested carne asada com batas for dinner, homemade egg rolls for New Year s, and Filh s (fried dough) during the Portuguese festival seasons. So many family memories were made and shared around the dinner table and over her many dishes and homemade treats. Her passion was to make people welcomed, loved, and happy through her food. Even if you weren t hungry, Maria insisted you sit and eat.

She was a member of the Portuguese American Club in Lowell, as well as and the Holy Ghost Society, and proudly celebrated the Portuguese community. A devout Catholic all her life and a parishioner of St. Anthony s Church in Lowell, her faith was a constant aspect of her being.

However, her greatest joy was the time she spent with family, especially her grandchildren, who in her eyes, could do no wrong. She loved them unconditionally and their love for her is equally shared. She loved spending time at family gatherings and celebrations and making memories with her family, who loved and adored her and will miss her dearly, while attempting to carry on her family holiday traditions and celebrations of love and family.

Besides her husband Joao, Maria is survived by two sons Steve S. Mendonca and his wife Lisa of Tewksbury and David S. Mendonca of Billerica; a daughter Denise S. Santos and her husband Jack P. of Chelmsford; six grandchildren Savanah Mendonca, Ben Mendonca, Malia Mendonca, Luke Santos, Nathan Santos and Andrew Santos; and her brother Carlos A.S. Borges and his wife Lidia of Lowell.

Friends and family may call on Friday morning May 30, 2025, at the O'DONNELL FUNERAL HOME, 276 PAWTUCKET ST. in LOWELL from 9:30 to 11:00 A.M. Her Funeral Mass will follow at ST. ANTHONY CHURCH in LOWELL at 11:30 A.M. Committal Service and burial will be held at St. Joseph Cemetery Chapel in Chelmsford. E-condolences/directions at www.odonnellfuneralhome.com. Arrangements by Funeral Director James F. O'Donnell, Jr. (978) 458-8768. 

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