Peabody – Maria (Bettencourt) 88, Nuttall died peacefully on Friday, September 8, 2023 surrounded by her loving family listening to music by her favorite Elvis. She was the loving wife of the late Lawrence "Larry" Nuttall for over 55 years.

Maria had a zest for life and a contagious laugh. She was a talented knitter. Every baby or new member welcomed into our family always received something knit from her like a blanket, slippers and especially her popular Christmas stockings.

An avid Gardner, Maria was known for her gorgeous garden that included bright flowers and vegetables. She loved her beautiful rose bushes and her collection of perennials that bloomed throughout the growing season.

Maria had an energy like no other. Always the life of the party you could always find her on the dance floor at every family event.

Maria was a Master sewer. She hand created her children’s clothes when they were little, custom curtains and dresses for the family. A common sound in her house was the sound of her sewing machine.

Maria brought her talents for cooking her native Portuguese cuisine to the family with her famous soups, Floush and sweet breads. At Maria’s house when she was cooking the house was filled with love, laughter and food.

Maria had a work ethic that she instilled in her children and grandchildren. Always picking up extra shifts at Sylvania and working at Filene’s part time in her retirement.

When she was able, she enjoyed swimming at the YMCA, walking and visiting with her friends and neighbors.

With her late husband Larry, they enjoyed going on cruises, visits to California, Virginia, Florida, North Carolina, Aruba and especially Vegas. She enjoyed playing the slot machines at various casinos.

Surviving her are her children, Alcina Davis and her husband, Richard of NC, Myra Caparrella and her husband Joe of NC, Lala Sousa and her fiancé, Jack Sullivan of NC, Robert Sousa and his wife, Mary of FL, Christine Midgley and her husband, Tom of NH, Susan Hartmann and her husband Gary of NC and Sherylann Berry, Grandchildren Jennifer, Debbie, Adrienne, Matthew, Taylor, Joey, Alyssa, Robby, Lisa, Dale, Heather, Glen, Douglas, David, & Darlene, twenty-two great grandchildren, a sister, Noelia Ortins and her husband, Tony, two brothers, Else Bettencourt and his wife, Zizi, Joey Bettencourt and his wife, Cathy, and a sister in law Mary Crowe and many nieces and nephews. She was also the mother of the late Patricia Talbot and sister to the late Manuel Bettencourt.

ARRANGEMENTS: Visiting hours will be held at the Conway Cahill-Brodeur Funeral Home, 82 Lynn St., Peabody, Friday, September 15, 2023 from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. followed by a service in the funeral home at 2:00 p.m. Relatives and friends are invited to attend. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in her memory to Joslin Diabetes Center, One Joslin Place, Suite 745, Boston, MA 02215. For directions and online guestbook please visit www.ccbfuneral.com.