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Peacefully, surrounded by loving family on December 27, 2025, at Marshall Gowland Manor, Maria Ernestina Paiva passed away at the age of 88. Beloved wife of Manuel Paiva. Loving mother of Maria (Chris) Makrigiannis and Jorge (Carrie) Paiva. Cherished grandmother of Nicolas Paiva, Sophia Makrigiannis, Taylor Paiva and Christina Makrigiannis. Treasured aunt of Liz Fried, Joe Rego and Helen Braga. Predeceased by her parents Maria and Manuel Rego and her siblings Jose Rego, Lourdes Rego, Manuel (Natalia) Rego and Maria (Daniel) Teixeira.
Maria loved to care for everyone! Her love and care were everything. She loved to make many donations and would say hi to everyone, even complete strangers. Hugs and kisses were her specialty (especially on people’s hands). She was an expert seamstress. She loved to perfect all of her creations and detail was extremely important. She especially loved working in bridal stores, as bridal detail and dresses were her specialty.
Family and friends will be received at Smith Funeral Home, 1576 London Line, Sarnia on Thursday, January 1st, 2026, from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. A mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Friday, January 2nd, 2026, at 10:00 a.m., at Our Lady of Mercy Church, 390 Christina St. N., Sarnia with interment at Resurrection Cemetery.
Sympathy may be expressed through donations to Alzheimer’s Society of Sarnia-Lambton or Canadian Cancer Society (cheques only at the funeral home please).
