Hudson – Maria R. (Chaves) Rego, 78, of Hudson, MA died on Wednesday, May 3, 2023, at the UMASS Medical Center, University Campus in Worcester, MA surrounded by her loving family. She was the beloved wife of the late Jose “Folião” H. Rego who died in 2017.
Maria is survived by her nine children, Paula M. Rego-Puim and her husband Eduardo of Hudson, MA, Natercia C. Franco and her companion John Moreira of Hudson, MA, Gilbert Rego and his wife Ann of Northbridge, MA, AnaBela Rego and her companion Kevin Baum of Hudson, MA, Cidalia M. Sanches wife of the late Antonio Sanches of Hudson, MA, Lucilia Rego and her companion John Jouki of Leominster, MA, Susana M. Rego of Hudson, MA, Diane M. Rego and her companion Brian Pelletier of Florida and Jeffrey Rego of Hudson, MA; her grandchildren, Stephanie, A.J., Matt, Michael, Vanessa, Andrew, Jennifer, Justin, Anthony, Kassandra, Nicole, Andre, Jonathan, Samantha, Tommy, Nick, Cayden, Brianna, Josslyn, Kaylee and Treviex; fourteen great-grandchildren, Jaedyn, Juliana, Jaselle, Taylor, Jackson, Mason, Michael, Jr., Julien, Dominic, Liam, Savannah, Crystal, Kaidence and Owen. Bella is her beloved dog, best friend and companion. If you saw Maria you always saw Bella by her side. She is also survived by her brother Angelo Chaves along with many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. She was predeceased by her brothers Gilberto, Manuel, Jose, Agostinho and Antonio Chaves.
Maria was born and raised in Santa Maria Azores of Portugal, daughter of the late Francisco and Rosa (Cabral) Chaves. In 1976 she migrated to the United States and resided in Brockton, MA for 2 years until settling in Hudson, MA in 1978. She was employed for a short time by Thomas Taylor Company in Hudson and later enjoyed many years as a housekeeper for the Sheraton-Tara Hotel in Framingham, MA until retiring. She was a member of Saint Michael Parish in Hudson and The Hudson Portuguese Club.
Maria loved being outdoors, tending to her garden and amazing all admirers of her gift at planting flowers and nurturing them along. Her home was always a welcome place for family and friends to gather for food, music, singing, dancing, fun, or just a place to relax. She enjoyed cooking and her “Malasadas” were always a treat for everyone. Maria enjoyed teaching her daughters how to make homemade bread and “queijo branco”. Her passion was her family, especially later spending time with her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She will always be remembered by those who loved and knew her for her unique kind and giving spirit, the ability to make all feel welcome at her home and the laughter they all shared.
Relatives and friends are invited to a period of visitation from 4 PM to 7 PM on Tuesday, May 9, 2023 at Tighe Hamilton Regional Funeral Home, 50 Central St., Hudson, MA. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 9 AM on Wednesday, May 10, 2023 at Saint Michael Parish, 21 Manning St., Hudson, MA; followed by a procession to Saint Michael Cemetery in Hudson for Committal Services.
In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Maria may be made to: Saint Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or www.stjude.org.
