We are deeply saddened to announce our loved one, Maria Rainha Leite, passed away peacefully at Holy Redeemer Hospital, in Huntingdon Valley PA, on September 28, 2023 at the age of 76.

Born on April 17, 1947 to the late Alberto Pinto Rainha and Engracia Moreira da Silva, Maria was born and raised in Portugal. In 1978, She and her husband of 54 years, Antonio Castro Leite arrived in Philadelphia and established a comfortable life for themselves and their son, Jaime Castro Leite. The couple happily embraced their new life here and took pleasure in the adventure and diversity that comes with living in America. Maria remained very proud of her Portuguese heritage. She faithfully upheld the many traditions and customs to keep a piece of her birth country close in her heart and home. She was firmly rooted in her faith as a devout Catholic. She placed emphasis on the importance of prayer and the inclusion of God in one's life. She credits her strong faith for sustaining her as she endured many years of illness.

Maria's life also centered around her family and friends. She relished every chance she had to be social, always making time for lively conversation and laughs. She enjoyed swapping recipes and cooking hearty meals that most often involved fresh vegetables from her garden. She would rise very early each day to tend her garden beds and nurture her plantings. Her tomatoes were the talk of the town! Maria was also very talented with knitting and crochet work. It gave her tremendous joy to welcome a new baby with one of her hand made sweaters or a pair of booties. She inspired all who know her to find happiness in the simple things and in each other.

Maria is predeceased by her brothers, Fernando Rainha, Antonio Rainha, Avelino Rainha, Adao Rainha, Joaquim Rainha, father-in-law, Avelino Castro Leite and mother -in- law, Emilia Jesus Leite.

Maria is survived by her devoted husband Antonio Castro Leite, son Jaime Castro (Arlacia) Leite, grandsons Sergio and Sebastian, her sister, Maria Julia Fernandes, sisters - in -law, Almerinda Castro (Gastao) Soares and Maria Lucilina Castro (Daniel) Godinho, and many nieces and nephews.

The Visitation will be held from 9am to10am, followed by a Funeral Mass at Our Lady Help of Christians, 1500 Marian Road, Abington PA, 19001 on Thursday, October 5, 2023. Interment will immediately follow at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, 3301 West Cheltenham Ave, Philadelphia PA 19150.