Maria Emilia Silverio Alfaiate Paulo's Obituary
Maria Emilia Silverio Alfaiate Paulo, age 91, passed away peacefully with her children and grandchildren at her bedside on June 1, 2026 in Tomball, TX.
She was born in the small village of Carvalheiro, near Alcanena, Portugal, on June 19, 1934 to João dos Santos Alfaiate and Cezaltina Silverio Cordeiro. Maria Emilia married Lucio Paulo on December 17, 1950 and together from a young age they managed their working farm and several olive and eucalyptus orchards and cork groves. She also worked as an animal midwife and, throughout her life, had a deep love for animals, caring for them with compassion and devotion.
Maria Emilia and her family moved to the United States in 1967. She lived and worked as a seamstress in Hartford, CT, and later lived in Berlin, CT and East Hartford, CT.
In 1978, she and Lucio moved to Houston, TX. She continued to work as a seamstress and supported her husband and his company, P & P Concrete, for over 20 years. In addition to being the matriarch of her own family, she was loved and respected by P & P employees and their families. During their retirement, Maria Emilia and Lucio spent time in Nazare, Portugal and East Hartford, CT, but they considered Texas their home and lived there for nearly 50 years.
Maria Emilia and her husband lived a full and fruitful life together until Lucio passed away on December 17, 2020, on their 70th wedding anniversary.
Maria Emilia was hardworking and extremely creative, and had numerous hobbies that brought her joy and fulfillment. She was a skilled crocheter and gardener, and nothing made her happier than cooking and baking for her family and friends. In her final years, she was happiest in her garden, taking long walks, and catching up with friends and neighbors.
Maria Emilia is survived by her daughter Isaura Agostinho and her life-partner James Giantonio of Tolland, CT, and her son Roger Paulo and his wife Tracy Douglas Paulo of Tomball, TX. She leaves her four beloved grandchildren, Michele Agostinho Allison, Richard P. Agostinho, Roger and Brittany Paulo, and her two great-grandchildren Nathaniel and Emilia Allison. Maria Emilia also leaves her nephews Arlindo, Angelo and Nelson Alves, as well as many cousins and cherished friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband as well as her sister and brother-in-law, Isaura and Antonio Alves.
Maria Emilia will be most remembered as a devoted wife, mother and grandmother who loved unconditionally and nurtured those around her.
A visitation will be held on Friday, June 5 from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Hernandez Funeral Home Houston, located at 13623 Perry Road, Houston, TX 77070.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 2:00 p.m. at Prince of Peace Catholic Church at 19222 Tomball Parkway, Houston, TX. Immediately following the Mass, burial will take place at Klein Memorial Park at 9714 FM 2920, Tomball, TX .
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in Maria Emilia’s name to the Houston Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. Donations can be made in her honor at https://houstonspca.org
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