Maria R. Hatter

Maria R. Hatter, age 74, passed away on Friday, December 6, 2024.

Maria lost a two-year battle with cancer at her home in Gulfport, MS. She was born in Sao, Jorge, Azores.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Manuel and Rosario Oliveira; her brother, Manuel Oliveira; and her sister, Noelia Cruithirds.

She is survived by her loving husband of 53 years Don Hatter; her son, Don Hatter (Lynne); her granddaughter, Megan Swanier (John); her great grandson, Kyram; her brother, Lino Oliverira; and her sister, Filomena Brasil.

Maria left her home in Sao Jorge at 12 years old and moved to Terceria, Azores where she went to work as a maid. When we met, she spoke a little English, and I spoke more Portuguese than she did English. After dating for 2 ½ years, we got married on September 29, 1971. Shortly after, we had our loving son, Don in 1972, we traveled to the United States where we built our forever home which we still reside in today. She was and amazing housewife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. She took care of us for 53 years, so it was our turn to take care of her for the last two years during her battle.

A graveside service will be held Monday, December 9, 2024, at 2:00PM in the Floral Hills Memorial Gardens Mausoleum Chapel.

Riemann Family Funeral Home, 11280 Three Rivers Road, Gulfport, is serving the family.