Maria Antonina Lobao, 73, of Peabody, died Sunday at the Melrose Wakefield Hospital following a brief illness. She was the devoted wife of Manuel Lobao with whom she shared over 52 years of marriage.

Born in Graciosa, Azores, Portugal, she was the daughter of the late Manuel do Quadros and Maria Bettencourt. She immigrated to the United States in 1980 and has lived in Peabody for the past 42 years.

Maria worked at various leather tanneries in Peabody. In addition, she worked at Maynard Plastic and Webster Industries. In her later years, she was a housekeeper and companion at the Peabody Glen Nursing Home. Upon retiring, she loved to cook and tend to her garden. Preparing home cooked meals and desserts that she took pride in sharing with others.

Maria had a sense of humor that would light up the room along with her infectious laugh and giggles. She was known for her joyous spirit and fondness for her loved ones whom she enjoyed spending her time with. She often referred to herself as a telephone operator; always staying connected with friends and family all around the world.

Maria will be especially remembered for her beautiful soul and fiery spirit. Her legacy will live on in the hearts and minds of everyone she met.

Besides her loving husband, she is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Maria and Adalberto Santos of Peabody, her brother and sister-in-law, João and Maria Fatima Quadros of Portugal, her three beloved grandchildren, Jenny and her husband Gary Girolamo, Kayla Santos, and Alek Santos, her sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Maria Eugenia and late husband Manuel Silva of Portugal, Zulmira and Nelson Sousa of Peabody and Ludovina and Emeliano Medina of Portugal, and by several nieces, nephews, godchildren, and beloved cousins. She was predeceased by her brother, Faustinho Quadros.

Her funeral will be held on Friday at 8:00 AM at the Conway, Cahill-Brodeur Funeral Home, 82 Lynn St, Peabody, followed by her Funeral Mass at 9:00 AM at St. John’s Church, Peabody to which relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend. Visiting hours will be held on Thursday from 4:00 until 7:00 PM. Burial will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Salem.