Maria “Lia” Santos Gonsalves

Maria “Lia” Santos Gonsalves, 101, passed away peacefully on Wednesday June 26, 2024, at Eastgate Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in East Providence. She was the widow of Antonio “Farmer” Santos and Benjamin Gonsalves. Born in Falmouth, Massachusetts, March 15, 1923, she was the daughter of the late Antonio C. and Mary S. Barboza.

She was loved by her 4 children, Toni-Maria Spencer (husband Richard J. Spencer) of East Providence, Laura Graham (husband Robert Graham) of North Providence, Miguel Santos of East Providence and Kristina Andrews (husband LeRoy Andrews) of East Providence. She was survived by 3 sisters, Marie Antoinette “Chuggie” Davis of East Providence, Yvonne “Bubbles” Barboza of East Providence and Antonia Rodrigues of Taunton, Massachusetts. She was also the beloved sister of the late Dorothy, Edward, George, Florence, Edwin, Edwin, Anthony, Andrew, Louis, Lawrence, Dolores and Stanley. Lia’s spirit will live on through her 11 grandchildren, 26 great-grandchildren and 3 great-great grandchildren. She will be greatly missed by her many godchildren, nieces, nephews and friends.

Lia volunteered as a foster grandparent at Roger Williams Day Care for 22 years, 3 months shy of her 90th birthday. She was an active member of the East Providence Parent Teacher Association (PTA), rising to become the first person of color to earn the office title of President of the Rhode Island State PTA. Lia was very active in local community organizations. She was Den Mother to her Cub Scout group and participated in numerous local Cape Verdean organizations. A member of the Cape Verdean Heritage subcommittee, the Cape Verdean American Federation, the Cape Verdean Association, the Cape Verdean Progressive Center and it’s Women’s Guild. On her 100th birthday, East Providence Mayor, Robert DaSilva, presented Lia with the key to the city of East Providence. May she rest in peace knowing her family and friends will always remember her as a woman of strength, integrity and love.

Her funeral will be held Tuesday, July 2, 2024, at 8:30 am from the REBELLO FUNERAL HOME, 901 Broadway, East Providence, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 am in Our Lady of Loreto Church, 346 Waterman Avenue, East Providence. Burial will follow in Gate of Heaven Cemetery, 550 Wampanoag Trail, East Providence. Relatives and friends are invited to attend. Calling hours are on Monday, July 1, 2024, from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly request donations be made to Our Lady of Loreto Church.