Obituaries

Maria Puresa de Lima Pimentel was born on the Island of Flores in the Azores September 7, 1936. The Portuguese word for mom is Mai. All her children, son and daughter in-laws called her Mai because she was their Mai. She met the love of her life, João Pimentel during their First Communions and years later were married on March 16, 1959. In February of 1968 she left home with João and two young children to start a new life in the United States. Mai brought with her a strong spirit, cast in perseverance, toughness, family values, and most importantly, love, to her new home in Niles. Especially her love for God and the honor to be in His service. She lived her life sharing God’s love through her generosity, kindness, and unselfishness. No matter what obstacles or hardships she encountered along her journey, she never let them slow her down or alter her course.

Mai came from very humble beginnings, raised in a rural town where opportunities for education were limited. She learned to read and write Portuguese at an elementary school level. Although she may have lacked formal education, she excelled in “real-life” education. She learned any skill she needed from sewing, gardening, and canning to becoming a master of home economics to take care of her family. Mai could throw together a great tasting meal with whatever ingredients she had on hand and repair a worn set of jeans to last another year. She was incredibly resourceful in her own, unique way. She would trade her homemade Portuguese Sweet bread for a couple extra bags of garbage to be picked up on trash collection day. That was Mai. She found ways to make things work, always with a little creativity and a lot of heart. There was no end to what Mai could accomplish when she set her mind and heart to it. Her strength knew no bounds.

As kids, we didn’t always realize how self-reliant she was, especially with her developing English language skills. She would walk or take the bus to run errands, doing whatever it took to take care of the family. Because she couldn’t read or write in English, her children took on the responsibilities of filling out school forms and writing absenteeism notes that she would sign. At the time, it was just part of everyday life growing up. Mai placed a lot of trust in her children and expected them to always do their best in life. She and João served as role models for the children by working hard to provide them with a happy childhood.

Her generosity was infinite. During the holidays, she would cook not just for her family but for neighbors she knew were alone or struggling. She gave without ever expecting anything in return. It simply wasn’t in her nature to do otherwise. Mai was, at her core, a true homemaker, a mom. Nothing made her happier than a clean house and a table full of food. Pai, Portuguese for dad, would take her to the grocery store for just a “few things.” An hour later she would come out of the grocery store with a full cart, because in her mind, there was always someone else to feed, always a reason to give more.

Mai and Pai shared an incredible love story that lasted 67 years. She loved João deeply and always wanted him by her side. Their devotion to each other and their family created a loving and nurturing home. Pai was Mai’s rock as she faced many challenges in her adult life battling bouts of severe anxiety and depression. Throughout those struggles, she never stopped trying to get better, to continue to live the life she cherished of being a mom. She never lost the essence of who she was, a kind, giving, and deeply compassionate person.

Everyone who met her felt the love and kindness of her spirit. She had a smile that would light up a room, and within minutes, people were drawn to her nurturing warmth. Doctors, nurses, and all who cared for her during her treatments for anxiety and depression fell in love with her as a mom. She had that rare ability to make people feel seen, cared for, and loved.

Her greatest joy in life was being surrounded by her family. She welcomed her son and daughter in-laws with open arms, a warm hug, and a comforting smile. She was happy to watch her family grow, especially with the arrival of her grandchildren. She had a hand in raising all her grandchildren, and they were an important part of her life. She loved them deeply, and their young lives were shaped by her loving, guiding presence.

Mai is preceded in death by her brother Joe de Lima and her parents, Jose and Etelvina de Lima. She is survived by her husband João, and her children: John, Etel, Joe, and Tony. Mother-in-law to Brian Barrientez, Michelle Pimentel, and Monica Pimentel; loving grandmother to Brandon Pimentel and his wife Sarah, Brian Barrientez II and his wife Melanie, Matt Barrientez and his fiancée Ying Long, Gage Pimentel, Maizie Pimentel; and great grandchildren Ryley and Axell Pimentel. Mai didn’t live a life of ease; she lived a life of purpose. She showed us what it meant to love unconditionally, to give selflessly, and to find dignity and pride in caring for others. She is deeply missed but her love, life lessons, and spirit are forever carried in our hearts, still comforting us along our journey through life. Thank you, Mai, for everything.