Maria was born in Santa Maria, Azores and initially went to live in British Columbia with her family. Maria and her family moved to Cambridge in 1975 because her father wanted to be closer to his family in Ontario.

Maria spoke, wrote and read fluent Portuguese.

Maria began her legal career with the firm of Dufresne from 1978 to 1997 working in the areas of Corporate, Estates, Family Law and Real Estate.

As a certified member of the Institute of Law Clerks of Ontario, Maria was involved in almost all matters. She was heavily involved in Estates, Wills and Corporate work and possessed an enviable wealth of knowledge in these and many other areas. Maria was often the first point of contact for our clients and was universally liked and respected.

During her time away from the firm, Maria immensely enjoyed spending time with her family, attending Portuguese cultural events, going for long walks along the river and going on holidays to Santa Maria and Portugal; being near the ocean.

Her infectious life and sunny disposition were matched only by her fierce intelligence and tenacity when pursing the rights and goals of our clients, her family and her friends.

Maria joined Goad and Goad in 1997 and will always be a cherished and beloved member of the firm after her passing in 2024