Beloved Wife, Mother, and Grandmother, Maria Soares Lopes, the eternal source of love and happiness for her family, was fully restored and taken to Heaven on Friday, August 1, 2025, after 85 years of life.

Born April 16, 1940 in Portugal, she spent the majority of her time there in Lisbon. She married Arnaldo M Lopes, 92, of Fords NJ on June 16, 1966. She immigrated from Portugal to the United States on February 25, 1967 and lived in Fords since then.

She worked as a housekeeper in Metuchen NJ for the same family for 24 years before retirement.

She was the eternal, never tiring, and never selfish source of love, kindness, care, and a seemingly never-ending supply of your favorite meals (with dessert) for her husband Arnaldo of Fords NJ, Son Frank of Freehold NJ, Daughter in Law Andrea of Freehold NJ, Granddaughter Julie of Charlotte, NC, Grandson Frankie of Long Branch, NJ, and Grandson Preston of Freehold NJ. She also had 7 siblings who resided in Portugal, Spain, & France.

Her family was her life. She cared faithfully and diligently for her husband, son, and showered all three of her Grandchildren with love, even during a 7-year battle with Alzheimer's.

She was a devoted catholic, regularly praying the rosary, leading bedtime prayers for her son and grandchildren, and was a parishioner of Our Lady of Peace Church in Fords, NJ.

Her lessons of knowing the difference between right and wrong, always choosing to do the right thing (even when it may not be good for you), hard work, diligence, and giving unending love to your family were imprinted on those closest to her and in her care.

Friends may visit at Flynn and Son/Mitruska Funeral Home, 23 Ford Ave., Fords, NJ on Wednesday, August 6, 2025 from 9:00 am to 10:00 am. Funeral services will begin 10:00 am at the funeral home followed by a Mass at Our Lady of Peace Church in Fords at 10:30 am. Entombment will follow at St. Gertrude Cemetery, 53 Inman Ave. Colonia, NJ 07067.

Her spirit will forever shine brightly, her lessons will hold true, and her generosity, love, and care will be remembered forever.