Maria N. Areias

Maria N. Areias, 71, formerly of Jaffrey, NH, died peacefully on Friday, December 21, 2018 at the Pheasantwood Healthcare Center in Peterborough, NH after a period of declining health.

She was born on February 28, 1947 in Azores, Portugal, a daughter of the late Atoni and Maria (Costa) Alves. Maria was raised and educated in Portugal and emigrated to the United States, first living in Lowell, MA for many years before moving to Temple, NH, Walpole, NH and finally settling into Jaffrey, NH to be closer to family.

She married Manuel L. Areias and together they raised five children. Maria enjoyed being a stay-at-home mom, baking breads, knitting, sewing and crocheting. But most important to her was time spent with her family and especially with her grandchildren who she cared for immensely.

Maria is survived by her children; Carlos of Greenville, NH, John of the United Kingdom, Paul of Deering, NH, Boby of Rindge, NH and her only daughter, Maria Rodriguez of Merrimack, NH; her 15 grandchildren, Stephanie, Scotty, Fatima, Jack, Julie, Manuel, Hunter, Tyler, Stevan, Shauna, Dylan, Denise, Jonathan, Brandon, and Selena; her 5 great-grandchildren, Lassandra, Nicholas, Kaleb, Colton and Jameson, and many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and family both here and in Portugal.

Calling hours will be held on Thursday, December 27, 2018 from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM in the Cournoyer Funeral Home & Cremation Center, 33 River Street (Rte. 202) Jaffrey, NH 03452.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, December 28, 2018 at 11:00 AM at St. Patrick Church, 89 Main Street, Jaffrey, NH with Rev. Wilfred Deschamps, Pastor of St. Patrick Parish will be the celebrant. Burial will be in the spring, next to her husband at St. Patrick Cemetery in Jaffrey.