Maria DeMelo

Maria P. DeMelo, 79, of Hanford, California passed way peacefully on July 8th 2026. Born in 1946 on the island of Pico in the Azcores Islands of Portugal to Manuel Rodrigues Pereira and Rosa Alexandrina de Melo, Maria went on to earn a degree at Escola do Magistério Primário de Horta to become a teacher. She taught grammar school before marrying her husband Jose DeMelo and moving to America to start a family of their own. An exceptional cook and baker, Maria was known for her comforting sweet bread. She was a devoted mother and grandmother who loved spending time with her family.

She is survived by her younger sister Maria de Fatima Melo Pereira Carreiro; her beloved husband Jose DeMelo; their two sons Anthony Melo Sr. and Joe Melo; and three grandchildren Ashley Melo, Anthony Melo Jr. and Katelynn Melo. 

Visitation will take place on Monday, July 20, 2028, from 4pm 7pm with recitation of the Rosary at 6pm at Whitehurst McNamara Funeral Home, 100 W. Bush St., Hanford, Mass will be held on July 21 at 10:00 am at St. Brigid Catholic Church, 1001 N Douty St, Hanford, CA 93230. 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Maria DeMelo, please visit our floral store.