Maria was born on September 22, 1939 in São Filipe, Fogo, Cabo Verde. She was the daughter of Isabel and Antonio Alves. Maria is survived by her sisters Angela DePina, Maria Augusta Alves, and Clara DePina, her two brothers David DePina and Danielo Pina, her nine children, Eunice Ferreira, Antonio Gomes, Daniel Gomes, Fernando Gomes, Angela DaSilva, Ester Cardoso, Ilizelanda Gomes, Gabriela Gomes, and Catarina Gomes, and several grandchildren and great grandchildren. She was predeceased by her parents, her husband Fernando Gomes, and her sisters Alica Medina, Eugenia Barbosa Neves, Elda Barros, and Maria S. João Alves.
In her hometown of São Filipe, Maria was a well-known seamstress for several years, serving many in the community. After moving to the United States, Maria was a mechanical assembler for Polaroid Corporation in Norwood, MA for many decades and retired in 2004. Maria enjoyed her retirement in Orlando, FL and spent her time sewing, traveling, and gardening. Throughout her life, Maria was an avid contributor to UNICEF, supporting children in need worldwide. In remembrance of Maria’s life, the family asks that any charitable donations be made to the Casa Madre Teresa de Calcutá elderly center in Cutelo de Acucar, São Filipe, Fogo, Cabo Verde.