Lourdes Araujo

Lourdes Araujo Maria, age 87 of Long Branch passed away peacefully on September 2, 2020 at Monmouth Medical Center in Long Branch. Born and raised in Vila Real Tras os Montos, Portugal; Lourdes came to the United States in 1989 to help her daughter and son in law raise her two granddaughters. 

She was predeceased by her husband Virgilio Araujo Maria in 1994 and her son Victor Araujo in 2008. Surviving are 5 daughters, Emilia Mapelli of Long Branch; Rosa Maria of Lisbon Portugal, Silvina Diogo of France, Lourdes Pinto of Belas Portugal, and Lena Vaz of Belas Portugal; 13 grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren. 

Lourdes was known for her humor and for the love she had for all of her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Her presence would instantly light up a room. She was constantly singing and dancing to traditional Portuguese “Fado” and always beating someone in a card game. She was happiest when her whole family would come together to visit her all the way from Portugal. Lourdes was the kind of person everyone wanted to be around and has left a lasting impression on everyone she has met. 

Visitation will be held on Saturday, September 5 from 2 pm until the time of her service at 4:15 pm at the Damiano Funeral Home, 191 Franklin Avenue in Long Branch. Letters of condolence may be sent through the Guestbook/Tribute link above.