Maria Fernanda S. Lopes

HICKORY, NC. – Formerly from Naugatuck and Port St. Lucie, FL: With heavy hearts and profound sadness, we, the family of Maria Fernanda S. Lopes, share that she peacefully passed away at Carolina Caring Hospice House on February 18, 2025, at the age of 82. Maria’s warmth, kindness, and generosity touched the lives of many.

Maria was born in Barreiro, Portugal, on January 10, 1943, to Antonio and Aida Amador. It was here that she met the love of her life, Joaquim “Jack” C. Lopes, who sadly passed away unexpectedly on February 8, 2024, a year before her. 

Before her retirement in 1996, Maria worked as a seamstress at Modern Fashion in Oakville, CT, and spent many years at Risdon Manufacturing in Naugatuck, CT, as a Quality Control Inspector. She was a Ladies Auxiliary of the Naugatuck Portuguese Club member, where she volunteered her time and cooked for various events. In 1997, Jack and Maria moved to Port St. Lucie, Florida, to enjoy the beach every day. They volunteered and made many new friends at the Portuguese American Club of Port St. Lucie. Their greatest joy came from hosting family and friends, sharing delicious Portuguese meals, laughter, and fun.

Jack and Maria raised their family in Naugatuck and were often seen dancing at festas and weddings. Each summer, they traveled to Portugal and enjoyed many cruises to other countries with family and friends. Their presence brought joy and comfort to everyone who was blessed to know them, and their memory will be cherished forever.

Maria is survived by her three children: Joaquim A. Lopes (Lynda), Augusto A. Lopes (Darlene), and Rosemary A. Stoner (Jeffrey). She is also survived by her brother, Frank Amador (Margarida) of Naugatuck, and her sister, Maria J. Rodrigues (Adelino) of Kenansville, FL. Additionally, Maria leaves behind six grandchildren: Gregory Lopes Sr., Alyssa Lopes, Kyle Lopes (Alexandra), Cole Lopes, Tyler Stoner, and Alex Stoner, as well as five great-grandchildren: Gregory Jr., Tomas, Layton, Ella Grace, and Paislee. She is remembered by numerous nieces, nephews, and longtime friends.

In addition to her parents and husband, Maria was predeceased by her sisters Julieta M. DosSantos and Ana M. Teixeira, as well as brother-in-law Manuel Teixeira. 

The family would like to express their gratitude to the nurses and staff at Carolina Caring for their dedication to ensuring Maria’s comfort during her final days. Augie and Rosemary also want to recognize their brother Jack and sister-in-law Lynda, with whom she shared a home in North Carolina, for the loving care they provided in her last year of life.

Arrangements – A Memorial Service to celebrate the lives of Jack and Maria will be held on Saturday, March 8, 2025, at 1 p.m. at the Buckmiller Ford Mengacci Funeral Home, 82 Fairview Ave., Naugatuck, CT. Visitation will be held from 11 a.m. until the service begins. In lieu of flowers, friends who wish to make memorial contributions in Jack and Maria’s memory may do so to the Naugatuck Portuguese Club, located at 110 Rubber Ave., Naugatuck, CT, or to the Portuguese American Cultural Center at 1482 SE Village Green Dr., Port Saint Lucie, FL, or to Carolina Caring Palliative Medicine Clinic at 3975 Robinson Road, Suite B, Newton, NC.