Maria J. "Mary Jo" Freitas

Maria J. “Mary Jo” (Quintal) Freitas, 74, a long-time resident of Lowell, died Saturday, September 17, 2022 at Lowell General Hospital. She was the beloved wife of Manuel Luís Freitas with whom she would of shared 55 years of marriage this October.

Born in Camacha, Madeira, Portugal on June 10, 1948, she was the daughter of the late Maria Encarnação Freitas and Abel Quintal. In 1981, Mary Jo and Luís came to the United States from England, where they started to build their life together. She took on many jobs starting with Highland Towel as a supervisor and GE as an assembly technician. Later she worked as a seamstress for David’s Bridal, where she worked for many years and enjoyed her clients immensely.

Mary Jo was an avid walker and would walk for miles each day. She loved gardening, cooking and could always be found hosting a gathering, which brought her great joy in taking in the company and laughter of others. She also liked to read, do crossword puzzles and especially loved to travel. Traveling anywhere and everywhere she could.

In addition to her loving husband Luís, Mary Jo is survived and will be deeply missed by her two children, Tino Freitas and his partner Gabriel Rivera of Lowell and Susie Freitas and her partner Alan Irving of Jersey, England; her four grandchildren, Carolina Freitas, Sofia Quintal, Xavier Freitas and Dallas Terrio; her sister, Lidia Vieira and her husband Luis of Madeira, Portugal; her brother Miguel Quintal and his wife Rose of Hudson, NH; her two Goddaughters, Amanda Quintal and Kayla Rosa; as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins and very close friends that loved her deeply.

She was the sister of the late João Quintal.

Relatives and friends are invited to Maria’s Life Celebration on Friday, September 30, 2022 from 5PM until 8 PM at the McKENNA-OUELLETTE FUNERAL HOME, 327 Hildreth Street, Lowell. Her Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, October 1, 2022 at 10 AM at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church, Lowell. Burial will be held privately. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Maria’s memory to either the Alzheimer’s Association, 309 Waverly Oaks Road, Waltham, MA 02452 or the Jimmy Fund, P.O. Box 849168, Boston, MA 02284.