Aldamira ‘Mira’ Silva Athayde

LOWELL Aldamira 'Mira' Silva Athayde, 62, of Lowell passed away peacefully at home Saturday evening after a battle with cancer. She was surrounded by her family and loved ones.

Mira was born December 16, 1948 in Bahia, Brazil, and was the daughter of the late Manuel, and Rosalva (Silva) Lopes. She attended high school in her native country, and continued her higher education at the University of Lowell.

She and her husband, Joe, met over their shared loved of music, a passion that transcended into 35 years of marriage. They were beautiful partners in life, traveling the World and raising their three treasured children. Mira was a woman of great spirit and determination, always seeking the best for her family. Spending time living in both Bahia and Massachusetts, she always made sure her family was in the best location for the children to thrive, and she was very proud when she became an American citizen.

Her favorite way to spend time was cooking and entertaining for others. Mira always welcomed guests with kisses (beijos!) and the immediate offer of a declicious culinary feast. As a trained cook, caterer, and restaurant owner in Brazil, Mira fed the bellies and souls of many through her love of food; at her most acclaimed restaurant Lado A (A Side) no one ever left hungry! After moving back to the U.S. in 2000, she continued this passion for cooking, working as the dining services director at the Pines of Tewksbury.

She greatly loved spending time with her family, and was overjoyed to share her home with relatives visiting from Brazil. Her proudest moments as a mother included seeing her eldest son, Vince, get married, her son, Vinicius, rise to musical prominence in Brazil, and her daughter, Mariana, graduate college in Holland. She also cherished playful visits with granddaughter, Maya.

Surviving Mira are her husband, Joseph, her son, Vince and his wife Goia, son, Vinicius, daughter, Mariana; brothers, Aderbal and his wife, Lia, Aldebrando and his wife, Mara, Adalberto and his wife, Christiane, Aderaldo, Emanoel and his wife, Viviane, the late Antonio, and the late Adriano; sister, Adenilda Martins and her husband, Colbert Martins; sisters-in-law, Maria de Guadalupe, Maria de Fatima, Maria do Espirito Santo, and brothers-in -law, Ezequiel and Domingos Athayde; and granddaughter, Maya. Mira is also survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.

YOU ARE INVITED TO HER CALLING HOURS FROM 5 UNTIL 8 P.M. ON TUESDAY. ON WEDNESDAY, HER FUNERAL WILL BEGIN AT 10 A.M. AT THE MAHONEY FUNERAL HOME, 187 NESMITH STREET, LOWELL 978-452-6361. HER FUNERAL MASS WILL BE OFFERED AT ST. ANTHONY'S CHURCH AT 11 A.M.. BURIAL IN ST. MARY CEMETERY. E-CONDOLENCE SITE MAHONEYFUNERALHOME.COM.