Maria G. Desousa

Maria DeSousa, age 76, loving mother of two and adoring wife to husband Avelino DeSousa, passed away in the early hours of March 21, 2022, at her home in Roslyn Heights, NY, after a courageous battle with Acute Myeloid Leukemia. Maria was born in 1945 in Grade, Arcos de Valdevez, Portugal to her parents Preciosa Goncalves de Castro & Antonio Rodrigues Gomes. She grew up surrounded by a loving family that influenced her kind heart, fostered her compassion, and helped her develop a strong work ethic. She met her husband, Avelino DeSousa, in their hometown, and they were married in August of 1964. Their first child arrived the following May. Together they forged a path forward and emigrated to the United States in 1970, where they welcomed their second child. Maria worked tirelessly as a homemaker and alongside her husband to build a prosperous future for their young family. Making many sacrifices along the way, Maria and Avelino built L’Endriot, a successful and award-winning restaurant in East Hills, NY. There was no task too difficult or too imposing for her. Maria’s contributions to her family, family business, and community were inspirational. Her incredibly delicious desserts, breathtaking flower arrangements, and many other small touches; collectively afforded special recognition by restaurant critics, discerning clientele, and admirers alike. An unshakeable force, she was a strong, competent woman and a brave role model as the matriarch of her devoted family. As a mother, she was kind, generous, and respected. As a grandmother of five, she remains inspiring in her ability to love equally and profoundly. In her most recent role as a proud great-grandma, she found her ultimate joy. She will be greatly missed by many who recognize that she is irreplaceable but take comfort in knowing that she has returned to among the angels and will continue looking after those dearest to her from heaven. Maria is survived by her husband, Avelino DeSousa; her daughter, Maria Parada; her son, Tony DeSousa; their respective spouses, John and Isabel; her grandchildren, Cristina Parada, Andreia Parada, Justin DeSousa, Elisa DeSousa, and Michael DeSousa; her great-grandson, Luca Martins; along with Cristina’s partner, Dan Martins and Justin’s girlfriend, Ashley Iannucci; her sister Lurdes DeSousa, nephews, nieces and cousins; all very dear to her heart. She is preceded in death by her parents. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her loving memory to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society at www.lls.org.