Maria Asuncion

Figueroa

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Maria Asuncion Figueroa, beloved matriarch, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, great-great grandmother and a cherished friend to many. Maria peacefully departed this life on March 8, 2026, at the age of 93. She was the devoted daughter of the late Daniel Figueroa and Maria Mendez DeJesus.
Born in Caguas, Puerto Rico, she was raised in Ponce.  Maria attended local schools before making her way to the South End of Boston, and ultimately settling in Chelsea, where she nurtured not only her family but also her community for over 62 years. She was the proud mother of three: Lydia, Leticia, and Felix, and a loving grandmother to her 13 grandchildren, who brought her immeasurable joy, along with numerous great-grandchildren and treasured great-great-grandchildren.
Maria dedicated her career to the enrichment of adults and children's lives, working with C.A.N. "Care About Now" and serving as a beloved Head Start Teacher and Bus Monitor with CAPIC in Chelsea until the age of 87. She also worked at Tito's Bakery, where her warmth and kindness left indelible marks on everyone she encountered. Known affectionately as "Grand-Ma to Chelsea," her passion for nurturing future generations was boundless.
Maria's commitment to community was evident in her founding of the Puerto Rican Festival in the mid 70's and her involvement with the Latin American Cultural Association "L.A.C.A." She received special recognition from former Governor Dukakis for her unwavering dedication to enriching the lives of others. Throughout her life, she remained spirited, enjoying salsa dancing and walks while cherishing the family traditions she meticulously passed down through her treasured recipes.
She is remembered with love by her children Leticia "Letty" Ortiz of Peabody and Felix E. Perez, Jr. of Chelsea; her late daughter Lydia E. Molina; and her beloved siblings, Carlos Mendez and Estelle Milan; her late sister Josefina Ortiz. Her legacy lives on through her grandchildren – Julio Quiles, Vivian Quiles, Anthony "Tony" Quiles, Ernesto "Nesty" Quiles, Francisco "Frankie" Quiles, Lovenska "Luna" Quiles, Francisco "Frank" Toro, Alezandra "Sandy" Ortiz, Hector "Tito" Alvarez, Chelsea Alvarez, Maria "Cuqui" Rodriguez, Felix "Cusy" Perez, and Leticia "Letty" Santiago – along with 15+ great-grandchildren and two cherished great-great-grandchildren.

Relatives and friends are cordially invited to attend visiting hours for Maria A. Figueroa at the Welsh Funeral Home, located at 718 Broadway, Chelsea, on Wednesday, March 11th, from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM. Family and friends will gather once more on Thursday morning in the Iglesia la Luz de Cristo Church, 738 Broadway, Chelsea, for her funeral service, which will commence at 10:00 AM. Services will conclude with a heartfelt interment at Woodlawn Cemetery in Everett.

In this time of mourning, we celebrate the remarkable life of Maria Figueroa, who leaves behind a legacy of love, compassion, and unwavering commitment to family and community. May her memory be a blessing to all who knew and loved her.