Obituary of Maria Ricardo

Maria Bento Ricardo, 80 died peacefully at her home in Freehold Township on Sunday. Maria was born on October 30, 1937 in Lisbon, Portugal where she lived her early life. Maria met the love of her life, Jose Ricardo in Lisbon and they dated for 7 years, marrying on January 12, 1959. They settled into married life and had their first son, John Manuel in 1960. They emigrated to America on July 2, 1966 and were so immensely proud to become US citizens in 1973. She loved America and all it stands for. Maria had her second son, Alexander in 1968 and the family loved their new life in America. Maria and Jose were world travelers traveling to more than 40 countries sharing her care and kindness with friends and strangers alike. She loved her family without any bounds and she was truly the finest wife, mother, daughter, grandmother and friend. Her love and concern were known by all who's lives she touched. Maria is survived by her beloved husband of 59 years, Jose Ricardo of Freehold, NJ, her son John and daughter-in-law, Cindy Ricardo of Freehold, NJ, her son Alex Ricardo of Nutley, NJ, two grandchildren, Lauren Tuosto and her husband James of Farmingdale, NJ, Jonathan Ricardo and his wife Casey of Washington, D.C., 3 great grandchildren, Benjamin, Ryan and Cole Tuosto of Farmingdale, NJ and her Aunt Capitolina Amorim of Freehold, NJ. Visitation is at Freeman's Funeral Home in Freehold, NJ on Tuesday 2-4pm, 7-9pm. Funeral Mass will be held at St. Rose of Lima Church in Freehold on Wednesday at 11:30am, followed by entombment at St. Rose of Lima Cemetery Mausoleum. Please no flowers. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks for donation to the American Kidney Fund, www.kidney.org. To leave a condolence or find directions, visit www.freemanfuneralhomes.com.