Maria Odete (Soares) Amaral, 76, of New Bedford passed away peacefully at home Wednesday, January 6, 2021.

Born in St. Michael, Azores, daughter of the late Joao and Filomena (Viveiros) Soares, she lived in New Bedford most of her life.

Maria was the wife of Ernest Amaral.

Odete loved playing bingo, sewing, and traveling. She lived for her family and loved cooking for them. She spent many years as a foster grandparent for children at the Schwartz Center. Maria was a very outgoing person who made friends everywhere she went.

Survivors include her daughters, Lynda Cavanaugh and Annette Amaral and her significant other William Mullin and his son Wayne Mullin all of New Bedford; her siblings, Joao Soares of Florida, Joe Soares of New Bedford, Bill Soares of Fairhaven, and Connie Rose of Rhode Island; her grandchildren, Erika Hollis, Erinn Fauteux, Zachary Fonseca, Maxx Cavanaugh, and Rachel Fonseca; her great-grandchildren, Logan Hollis, Chloe Hollis, Emily Fauteux, Michael Hollis, Lincoln Fauteux, Everdeen Hollis, and Sheamus Cavanaugh.

She was predeceased by her siblings, Serafina, Arthur, Virginia and Eddie.

Her services will be private.