Obituary of Maria A. Matos

Maria Albertina Matos of Mineola, NY passed away on Thursday, May 4th surrounded by her family that loved her very much. Albertina was born to Albertina and Manuel Dutra on March 14, 1950 in Pico, Azores, Portugal. She was the oldest of four daughters and grew up helping her family from a young age. When only a teenager, she fell in love with her future husband, Manuel Matos. And she was the love of his life. That romance continued until her last breath but their undying love will continue forever.

On February 28, 1974, Albertina gave birth to her beautiful daughter, Sonia. Wanting to give a better life to her children, Albertina courageously left the comfort of the home she knew and embarked to America. Despite the adversities she faced, she pushed forward and built the foundations of a new life with hard work and perseverance. On December 3, 1981, she gave birth to her son, Renato Matos. He was a Christmas gift for his sister, but everyone knew he was mommy’s little boy. She pushed her children to excel academically and instilled the desire to succeed that defines their life. She was so terribly proud of both of her children and rarely gave up on opportunity to tell anyone who would listen. Albertina’s love of family only got stronger when she became the grandmother to Zachary and Emma Azevedo. From ice cream dates with her grandson at Lord & Taylor to chasing her little bicha braba around the house, her life was all about her family. When she wasn’t chatting on the phone with her family and friends, she enjoyed playing cards and watching Jeopard and Wheel of Fortune.  She lived a life of truth and honesty to herself and everyone around her.

Albertina's courage and strength were put to the test the last several years of her life as she battled multiple life threatening illness. Her husband and children never left her side, seeing her through every step of the way. Her determination to live was unmatched but it was time for her to be with her beloved parents once again. Even in passing, her love of family was front and center as she waited for her closest loved ones to arrive to be with her for her last breath. Her husband, children, grandchildren and sisters find solace in knowing that she will be waiting with dinner ready for when it is their time to meet again.