Maggie M. Soares

Maggie M. Soares, daughter of Tom Quinn and Elnora Lathan, was born in West Point, Mississippi, on February 12, 1936. While living happily together on their farm in the sleepy town, she was lovingly nicknamed “Mert” by her brothers Tom, Jr., Cleveland, Charles, and sisters Lizzie-Lou, Annie-Laura, Rose, Christine, Golida, and Bertha, all of whom have preceded her in death. Mert had to grow up fast. Her mother passed away when she was only 9-years old, forcing her into a more adult role on the farm. That’s when her family discovered, “That girl can cook!” Soon everyone insisted that she be in charge of preparing the noontime meal for the workers. They grew to look forward to her succulent meals with delight, and she reveled in being able to brighten their days and contribute to the care and support of her family through her particular talent of cooking. Upon her father’s passing when she was 14 years old, Mert traveled to Indiana to live with her sister, Golida for three years before moving to Massachusetts, with her cousin, Eddie Lee. In Boston, Mert met and fell in love with Joseph Manuel Soares and the entire Soares family. His 8 brothers and sisters all fell in love with her, too. After the marriage, Mert had her big family again. Every Thanksgiving, birthday, or just because, Mert designed a fabulous meal and had a house full of family and friends over to eat, play cards, sing, dance, connect, and act up a little. Every Christmas, she got up early - after playing Santa Claus late into the night - to effortlessly compose a delicious meal for her guests to celebrate the season together - and act up a little. There was no fast food in Mert’s house, only home cooking Monday through Saturday. Sunday there was always a big dinner even though she always worked a full-time job. She loved to cook! She maintained home and taught her children the essential things of life. Education is important, learn to save money, pay bills on time, don’t steal, be accountable for your actions, and treat each other and company well! She was an extraordinary wife and mother. One of the great joys of her life was her role as Auntie Mert. You could see her light up when called by any one of her nieces and nephews. Auntie Mert enjoyed talking with and imparting her compassionate wisdom to them. She had a way of getting them to share their secrets. If you were doing something questionable, dangerous, or silly she would lovingly take you to task, but mostly she just walked them through life. Auntie Mert leaves too many nieces and nephews to name and she loved each one dearly. All of this work at nurturing, supporting and guiding, however, only set the stage for her best work of all, being Nana. She made it her life’s work to rescue her grandkids from their parents. The ones who lived near had a wardrobe at her house. All Mert needed was the kid; no packed bag necessary. If you had to travel to get to her, there was always the Nana Sleepover. Her grandchildren are left to cherish her memory: Joey, Joshua, Dean, Jason, Jay-Jay, Chanel, and Rasheed, from youngest to oldest. She also leaves three great grandchildren Deanie, Jr., Faith, and Melody. Some of her favorite things to do were attending Morning Star Baptist Church, watching CNN and reading her daily newspaper, books, and magazines. Mert had a passion for words and was a great orator and prolific storyteller. She had a wonderful sense of humor and was quite a comic. Mert departed this life on November 12, 2020. She leaves to carry on her history, her three children, two loving daughters, Deborah Soares of Miami, Florida, and Cheryl Ashley (son- in-law Ronald Kevin) of Boston, and one loving son, Jay Soares (daughter-in-law Chantal) of Boston.