March 28, 2024

Maria Fatima Lindia

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Maria Fatima Lindia, 83, of East Providence passed away on Thursday January 26, 2023 at Royal Westerly Nursing Home in Westerly, RI. She was the wife of the late Nunziato “Nunzio” Lindia. Born in Capelo, Faial, Azores. She was the daughter of the late Antonio and Rosalina (Vargas) Silveria. She leaves her two sons: Anthony Lindia, his wife Dana, and daughter Sophia, as well as Derek Lindia, his wife Lisa, and sons Dr. Derek Lindia, Nico, Joe, and Damian.


When Maria came to the United States in the late 50’s it was not a planned move. Her hometown, The Island of Capelo, Faial Portugal, had a devastating Volcano eruption that engulfed Capelo in lava and ash forcing most residents to move. The damage was so extensive the ability to go back was not a possibility


Once arriving in the United States, Maria worked at Davol Rubber Company. From there, Maria started her first teaching job at Joseph Jenks Junior High School in Pawtucket, RI. She then went to work for the town of Bristol, RI to teach and work as an administrator for the School Department. After several years at Bristol, she then went to work for the State of RI Department of Education until her retirement in 2007. During her retirement, she continued her volunteer work. However, she most enjoyed visits from and visiting all 5 of her grandchildren - always asking how they were doing in school.


During her lifetime, Maria earned two Master’s Degrees: a Master’s Degree in Education from Rhode Island College and a Master’s Degree in ESL (English as Second Language) from Brown University.


Maria enjoyed volunteering and was a member of several civic organizations. She was a member of the Bristol 4th of July planning committee, worked as co-chair of the 50th Anniversary Dinner commemorating the Eruption of the Capelinhos Volcano, she was the first woman president of the Day of Portugal Yearly Celebration, and was on the Board of Directors at the Federal Hill House, along with several others over the years. She was also a staunch advocate of women’s rights, rights for people whose second language was English, and was a resource to Portuguese immigrants who did not speak English helping them assimilate to their new surroundings.


Her funeral will be held on Thursday, February 2, 2023 at 9:00am from the Perry-McStay Funeral Home, 2555 Pawtucket Avenue, East Providence with a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00am in St. Martha’s Church. Calling hours are Wednesday 5pm-7pm. In lieu of flowers, contributions to St. Jude’s Children Hospital would be appreciated.

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