Maria de Lurdes DeJesus, 88, of Yonkers, NY, passed away peacefully on February 15, 2025, surrounded by her loving family.

Maria was born on April 20, 1936, in Montouro, Portugal, to Antonio DosSantos Gaitas and Rosaria Isabel Martins. She lived a life full of love, kindness, and dedication to family and friends.

In 1958, Maria immigrated to the United States after marrying the love of her life, Fernando DeJesus. A passionate and devoted educator, she dedicated over 30 years to teaching. She began her career in Portugal, where she taught for five years before continuing her work in the Mineola School District on Long Island, NY, for over 25 years. Maria’s love for education extended beyond the classroom, as she also taught and directed Portuguese school at the Portuguese-American Cultural Center in Yonkers, NY, where she helped preserve her heritage for future generations.

Beyond her dedication to teaching, Maria found great joy in traveling, gardening, reading, and cooking for her family. She had a deep appreciation for life’s simple pleasures and took pride in creating a warm and loving home. Her kitchen was always filled with the aroma of her delicious meals, and she cherished every moment spent sharing them with her loved ones.

Maria’s warmth, wisdom, and unwavering commitment to education, family, and community will be missed by all who knew her. She is survived by her three sons, James (Paula), Anthony (Anne), and Phillip (Kim); eight grandchildren, Christina, Michelle, Phillip Jr., Joseph, Nicholas, Isabella, Tyler, and Frank; her brothers, Joseph (Rachel) and Franklim (Natarcia); her sister, Incarnacao; and many loving nieces and nephews. She is predeceased by her loving husband, Fernando DeJesus, and her brother, Antonio.

A service to celebrate Maria’s life will be held at St. Ann's Church (Yonkers) on Wednesday February 19th at 10AM. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the American Cancer Association or the American Heart Association in her memory.

Maria’s legacy of love and learning will live on in the hearts of her family, friends, and the many students whose lives she touched.