PEABODY – Maria (Bettencourt) 88, Nuttall passed away peacefully on Friday, September 8, 2023, surrounded by her loving family listening to the music of her favorite Elvis. She was the beloved wife of the late Lawrence “Larry” Nuttall for over 55 years.
Maria had a zest for life and an infectious laugh. She was a talented knitter. Every new baby or member welcomed into our family always received something knitted from her such as a blanket, slippers and especially her famous Christmas stockings.
An avid Gardner, Maria was known for her magnificent garden of bright flowers and vegetables. I loved the beautiful rose bushes and their collection of perennials that bloom throughout the growing season.
Maria had an energy like no other. Always the life of the party, you can always find her on the dance floor at every family event.
Maria was the sewer lady. She made clothes for her children when they were young, and custom curtains and dresses for the family. A common sound in her home was the sound of her sewing machine.
Maria brought her cooking talents of her native Portuguese cuisine to the family with her famous soups, flocs and sweet breads. At Maria’s house, when she cooked, the house was full of love, laughter and food.
Maria had a work ethic that she instilled in her children and grandchildren. She is always picking up extra shifts at Sylvania and working part-time at Filene during her retirement.
When she was able, she enjoyed swimming at the YMCA, walking and visiting her friends and neighbors.
She and her late husband, Larry, enjoyed going on cruises and visits to California, Virginia, Florida, North Carolina, Aruba, and especially Vegas. I enjoyed playing slot machines in different casinos.
Surviving are her children, Alcina Davis and her husband Richard of North Carolina, Myra Caparella and her husband Joe of North Carolina, Lala Souza and her fiancé Jack Sullivan of North Carolina, Robert Souza and his wife Mary of Florida, Christine Midgley and her husband. Husband, Tom of New Hampshire, Susan Hartman and husband Gary of North Carolina and Sherilan Perry, grandchildren Jennifer, Debbie, Adrian, Matthew, Taylor, Joey, Alyssa, Robbie, Lisa, Dale, Heather, Glenn, Douglas, David, and Darlene, twenty-two Great-grandchildren include a sister, Noelia Ortens and her husband, Tony, two brothers, Elsie Bettencourt and his wife, Zizi, Joey Bettencourt and his wife, Cathy, a sister-in-law, Mary Crowe, and numerous nieces and nephews. She was also the mother of the late Patricia Talbot and sister of the late Manuel Bettencourt.
Visiting hours will be held at the Conway Cahill-Brodeur Funeral Home, 82 Lynn St., Peabody, Friday, September 15, 2023 from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM followed by a service at the funeral home at 2:00 PM Relatives and friends are invited to attend. In lieu of flowers, contributions in her memory may be made to the Joslin Diabetes Center, One Joslin Place, Suite 745, Boston, MA 02215. For directions and online guestbook, please visit .
(Tags for translation)Maria Nuttall