Obituary of Maria Isabel Vieira

Maria Isabel Vieira passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on Friday, January 23, 2026 at the age of 81.

Isabel was born on January 19th, 1945 in Vila Real De Santo Antonio, Portugal. She was the daughter of the late Amadeus and Maria Salas.

Isabel joined and married her loving husband Hildeberto Vieira on June 4th, 1967. They settled in Somerville, MA and lived in their home on Cedar Street for over 50 years. Her last 5 years were spent living in Tewksbury, MA close to her family.

Isabel devoted her life to her family and her faith. She spent many years attending and volunteering her time at St. Anthony’s Parish in Cambridge, MA with her friends and family. She was a CCD teacher, and loved helping with the church bazaar. Some of her favorite things to do were cooking, singing, dancing, and crocheting. She adored spending time with her family and friends on the Cape. Later she went on to fulfill her dream of owning her own beach house on Cape Cod with her husband and enjoying it for years with her children and grandchildren.

Isabel always had a passion for children. She worked with students as a teacher’s aide at the Powder House Community School and as a crossing guard for the City of Somerville. She took care of many children throughout her life. Isabel decided to retire early to devote herself fully to care for her four grandchildren, Sara, Evan, Lily and Kaitlyn, the true loves of her life. She cherished every moment with them and found her greatest joy in their laughter, milestones, and every memory they shared together.

With deep love and gratitude, we remember a devoted mother and grandmother whose life was defined by her unwavering love for her family and friends. She was the heart of her home, always placing the needs of her children and grandchildren above her own, and giving selflessly without ever expecting anything in return.

As a mother, she was patient, nurturing, and endlessly supportive—always present with open arms, a listening ear, and wise advice. As a grandmother, she brought joy, comfort, and laughter, creating memories that will be cherished for generations. Her love was steady and unconditional, and a constant source of strength to all who were blessed to know her.

Family was her greatest pride and purpose. Whether through quiet moments of care or joyful get-togethers filled with warmth and laughter, she made everyone feel valued and deeply loved. Her kindness, generosity, and gentle spirit touched many lives and left a lasting impression that will never be forgotten.

Isabel is survived by her husband Hildeberto and her three children, Stanley Vieira and his wife Gina, Susan Boucher and her husband Derek, and Jennifer Vieira, as well as her four grandchildren, Sara, Evan, Lily and Kaitlyn. She also leaves behind her brother Antonio Salas, and sister, Lidia Roque, along with her many nieces and nephews and her cherished dog Benji.

Visiting Hours will be held at St. Barbara’s Church, 138 Cambridge Road, Woburn, MA on Tuesday, January 27 from 4:00-8:00 pm.  The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Barbara’s on Wednesday, January 28 at 10:00 am, followed by burial at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Tewksbury.  A Celebration of Life Reception will follow the burial on Wednesday, January 28th at Lenzi’s, 810 Merrimack Avenue, Dracut, MA. 

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Isabel’s memory to the Alzheimer’s Association, 320 Nevada Street, Suite 201, Newton, MA 02460 (https://www.alz.org) or the American Diabetes Association, 10 Speen St., 2nd Floor, Framingham, MA 01701 (https://diabetes.org)  Arrangements by the Arthur P. Graham Funeral Home, Woburn, MA. www.grahamfuneral.com