Maria "Bia" Luisa Lopes Coelho, a loving, sweet, kind-hearted and selfless wife, mother, and grandmother, passed away after a short illness at the age of 87 with her beloved family by her side on January 12 ^th , 2019 in Hartford. Maria is survived by her loving husband of 60 years, Ligio T. Coelho, their son Jose M. and his wife Kyriaki I. Coelho, her two grandchildren, Daniel L. and Christina L. Coelho, her older sister Aurora L. Cacheira, a sister-in-law, six nieces, one nephew, and many grandnieces and nephews.  She is predeceased by her four siblings.

Maria immigrated to the U.S. with her husband from Portugal on February 26 ^th , 1977.  Despite not being able to speak English, her and her husband strived to provide a life of opportunities for their child and grandchildren.  Maria was eager to help others in any way she could and the warmth of her personality allowed her to befriend everyone she met.  She was a kind, nurturing individual who showed compassion and love throughout her lifetime, setting an example for those around her.  She held her family at the highest regard and above all enjoyed spending time with them. Her laughter, sweetness, and unconditional thoughtfulness will forever be engrained in our memories.

Funeral service will begin on Wednesday, January 16 ^th , 9AM at the Dillon-Baxter Funeral Home, 1276 Berlin Turnpike, Wethersfield, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10AM at Our Lady of Fatima Church, 50 Kane St., Hartford.   Calling hours will be held today, January 15 ^th from 5PM – 8PM at the funeral home.  Burial will follow in Cedar Hill Cemetery, 453 Fairfield Ave, Hartford.  Please visit www.dillonbaxter.com to share a memory with the family.