Maria A. Amaral, age 71, of Dartmouth, passed away on Sunday, December 17, 2017 at Philip Hulitar Hospice Center in Providence following a long illness.

Born in Achadinha, Sao Miguel, Portugal, a daughter of the late Joao and Alcina (Cabral) Amaral, she came to the United States in 1973 and lived in New Bedford for many years before moving to Dartmouth in 2006.

She had worked as an assembler at Johnson and Johnson in Raynham for over 20 years until her retirement.

Maria enjoyed photography, trips to the casinos, dining out, fine wines and tequila. Most of all, she loved spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren.

She is survived by her son, Christian A. Amaral, and his wife, Connie L. Amaral, of Dartmouth; her siblings, Alfredo Amaral and his wife, Marizilda, of New Bedford; Cristovao Amaral of New Bedford; Joseph Amaral and his wife, Theresa, of Westport, CT; John Amaral of Maine; Francisco Amaral and his wife, Linda, of Acushnet; Fatima De Amaral and her husband, Anthony Rodrigue,s of New Bedford; and Valter De Amaral of New Bedford; two grandchildren, Shaylen Marie Amaral and Christian John Amaral; Sasha, her favorite dog; and many nieces and nephews.

Her Funeral will be held on Wednesday, December 20, 2017 at 9 a.m. from the Rock Funeral Home, 1285 Ashley Blvd., New Bedford with a Funeral Mass at 10 a.m. in St. Anthony of Padua Church, 1359 Acushnet Ave., New Bedford. Burial will follow in Rural Cemetery, New Bedford. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hope Hospice and Palliative Care, 1085 North Main St., Providence, RI 02904 or HopeHospiceRI.org/Giving. For online tributes please visit: www.rock-funeralhome.com