1933
2017
Maria Ester Pereira (née Pinheiro), 83, passed away peacefully on Sunday, May 14, 2017, Mother's Day, surrounded by her loving family.
Maria Ester is survived by one sister, Maria Lourdes Brum (née Pinheiro); her 5 children and their spouses, Carlos Pereira, Mary Pereira, Larry & Michelle Pereira, Robert & Wendy Pereira, and Vicky & Scott McCall; her 11 grandchildren and their spouses, who she referred to as her joias, Nichole & Lawrence King, Nathan & Paula Medeiros, Brandon & Amy Pereira, Samantha & Joseph Reyes, Travis Pereira, Kaitlyn & Richard Pappas, Haley Pereira, Danielle Medeiros, Payton McCall, Regan McCall, and Kieran McCall; her 8 great-grand children, Sophie Medeiros, Joey Reyes, Nolan King, Logan Medeiros, Isaiah Reyes, Cyrus King, Violet Pereira, Scarlett Pereira and one great-grand daughter on the way; in addition to many loving nieces, nephews, cousins, and godchildren.
Maria Ester was the youngest of 16 children born on November 28, 1933, in Cedros, Faial, Acores, Portugal, to the late Manuel Rodrigues Pinheiro and Maria Silveira Pinheiro. In April 1959, she began her journey to America and set down her roots in Santa Clara, California to raise her family.
She was passionate about many things; teaching, her Portuguese heritage, and volunteering, but the most important role she ever had was being the most unconditionally loving, supportive, and inspiring mother and grandmother.
Maria Ester leaves behind an unbelievable legacy of love and Family. Her strength and resilience to overcome any obstacle she faced will never be matched and has inspired all who have met her and know her story. Although she was afflicted with a life-altering illness, the two things that were never far from her heart or taken from her were the phenomenal love of her family and her unwavering faith in God.
The English language does not have enough words to describe what she accomplished and how much she will be missed by everyone who knew her.
Maria Ester was a lifetime member of Nossa Senhora de Fatima Santa Clara.
"Until we meet again, minhas joias, in my big house in Heaven, here are some million dollar hugs, always and forever… thanks a million."
- Maria Ester Pereira
Visitation will be held Monday, May 22, 2017 from 5-9 pm at the Willow Glen Funeral Home located at 1039 Lincoln Ave. San Jose, Ca with Rosary beginning at 7pm. Funeral Mass will be held Tuesday, May 23, 2017 at 10:30am at the Five Wounds Portuguese National Church 1375 E. Santa Clara St. San Jose, Ca. Interment to follow at the Calvary Catholic Cemetery 2655 A Madden Ave. San Jose
Arrangements under the direction of Willow Glen Funeral Home, San Jose, CA.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by Willow Glen Funeral Home.
3 Entries
May 22, 2017
Emily Chow
Dear Pereira Family,
I work at SLAC with Carlos. My deepest heartfelt condolences to you. It is not easy losing the people we love and hold so dearly in our hearts.
Maria is just so beautiful in this picture. She was beautiful inside and outside. I can see where Carlos gets his faith and strength from.
Share her memories and stories - that will bring smiles and laughter during this difficult time.
Best to all of you and I truly am sorry for your loss.
Always,
Emily Chow
May 20, 2017
Rodrigo Pereira
Carlos, Mary, Larry, Robert n Vicky our deepest sympathy to all of you..Love you guys, from Dad n Isabel.
May 18, 2017
Laura & Steve Lenard
Larry and family,
Our condolences for your loss. May the happy memories of your time with her sustain you through the future. Hugs to you all. Love you guys.
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