Maria Melo Alves

Maria Melo Alves passed away peacefully on January 11, 2026, at the age of 96, surrounded by her loving family.

Maria was born December 24, 1929, in Vila de São Sebastião, on the Portuguese island of Terceira in the Azores.

Maria married her husband, Antonio Luis Alves, on January 28, 1950, in São Sebastião before they immigrated to America in 1965. Maria and Antonio had a long and loving relationship, married 48 years before Antonio's passing in 1998.

Maria courageously left Terceira in 1965 for America with her brother and sister to work and seek sponsorship to bring her husband and children to America for a better life. She accomplished that goal and dedicated her life to her husband, children, grandchildren and great grandchildren in America who she dearly loved.

She was active in the Portuguese community where she volunteered at the S.E.S Portuguese Hall of Elk Grove. She was highly respected and loved by the Portuguese community.

Maria has been cherished and loved by her family including her seven children and their spouses; Mary Machado and the late Eduardo Machado, Tony and Sonnie Alves, Almedina Lopes and the late João Lopes, Jorgelina and Joe Esteves, Sebastian and Leann Alves, Manuel Alves and Joe and Charmayne Alves. She was loved by her 12 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her infant daughter, Filomena Alves and husband Antonio Alves.

Maria is now reunited with her daughter and husband in heaven. She was greatly loved and will be very much missed by friends and family.

Family and friends are invited to attend the viewing, Thursday, January 22nd from 5PM to 8PM. Rosary 6PM to 7PM at East Lawn Memorial Park, 9189 E Stockton Blvd. Elk Grove, CA 95624.

Catholic Mass will be held at 1PM, Friday January 23rd at St. Joseph Parish, 9961 Elk Grove Florin Road, Elk Grove, CA 95624. Graveside service 3PM at St Mary Cemetery 6509 Fruitridge Rd. Sacramento, CA 95820 following Mass.