Maria J. (Estrela) Franca

FALL RIVER… Maria J. (Estrela) Franca, 93, of Fall River passed away December 5, 2019 at her home.

She was the loving wife of the late Joaquim R. Franca.

Born in Pardilho, Portugal, she was a daughter of the late Jose Valente and Rosa (Ferreira) Estrela.

Mrs. Franca was a communicant of Santo Christo Church where she was also a member of their Holy Rosary Sodality. She enjoyed knitting, cooking, traveling and going to the beach, but above all else, she loved spending time with her family.

Survivors include her children: Jose Franca (wife: Rosa) of Fall River, Armindo Franca (wife: Maria Jose) of Fall River, Victor Franca (wife: Dina) of Fall River, Rosa Caetano (husband: John) of Palm Bay, FL, Manuel Franca (wife: Celeste) of Fall River and Antonio Franca (wife: Maria) of Fall River; her sister: Julia Matos of Portugal; her brothers: Manuel Joaquim Estrela of Portugal and Jose Estrela of Brazil; 12 grandchildren; 12 great grandchildren; several nieces and nephews. She was the sister of the late Madalena Estrela and Fr. Manuel Estrela.

Funeral to which relatives and friends are invited will be held Tuesday, December 10, 2019 at 8 AM from the Oliveira Funeral Home, 215 Columbia St. Fall River, MA followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 9 AM at Santo Christo Church, Columbia St. Fall River. Interment will be in Notre Dame Cemetery, Fall River. Calling hours will be held Monday from 5 – 8 PM.