PORTSMOUTH—Maria André Vieira Lambert, 95, was welcomed into the arms of her Savior on November 3, 2025. The youngest of seven, she was born in Flores, Azores, Portugal and moved to the US in 1959. She and her devoted husband, William David Lambert, shared a love far surpassing even the greatest love stories.

A military family, they moved from TX to CA to Aviano, Italy —vacationing throughout Europe— before settling in Maryland. Maria became Manager with Civil Service for the Army Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES) at Andrews AFB, where she was recognized by high-ranking officials, including President Reagan. After 31 years, she retired to Portsmouth, VA to be closer to family. An avid walker, Maria could often be spotted in her neighborhood or completing marathons with some of her daughters. She cherished her cats and had a heart for children and animals everywhere.

Maria loved the Lord Jesus with all her soul. She prayed daily for her family, friends, community, and world. She will be remembered for her faithful prayers, selfless generosity, and contagious laughter. She loved telling stories of her childhood to her grandchildren, talking late into the night when they'd visit. Always with a song on her lips and a meal at the ready, she lived each day to serve. And hidden in her humble spirit was an unassuming grit, fierce strength, and awe-inspiring resilience that defied all odds. Even amidst struggles, she overflowed with thanks to God for His love and blessings of life and good health.

She is survived by her family, whom she deeply adored: 5 children—Maria Teresa Vieira Henriques Serpa, Eva (Manny) Da Costa, Laurina (Carter) Hamlet, Bill Harley, and Bett Cornetta; 10 grandchildren—Elisabete (Jérôme) Aimé, Cristino Serpa, Iva Serpa, Andreia Serpa, Chris Justice, Maria (David) Balch, Liz (Jeremy) Otis, Rachel (Clay) Mitchell, Victoria Cornetta, and Anna Cornetta; 8 great-grandchildren—Rebeca, João, Clara, Jeanne, Vieira, Carter, Parker, and Gemma; and a brother, Antonio Vieira.

In addition to her beloved husband of over 60 years, she was preceded in death by her father (Jose Armas Vieira), mother (Amelia Freitas Vieira), and five of her six siblings (Francisco, Margarida, Ernesto, Regina, and Evelina).

With deepest gratitude, we recognize the compassionate and heartfelt dedication of our wonderful caregivers Nene, Keena, Chanay, Helene, Michelle, Joyce, and Diamond, and also Kristine, Lucy, and previous loving caregivers; the caring nurses of Trinity Hospice; and her physician of 25 years, Dr Raymond Dumaran. Our family truly cannot thank you enough for your loving service and care. You mean the world to us. We also acknowledge the caregiving roles of daughters Bett and Laurina for their Mama, and Bett's dedicated commitment to supervising her care all these years.

A Mass of the Resurrection will be celebrated at 12:00p.m. Friday, November 7, at Church of the Resurrection, 3501 Cedar Ln., Portsmouth, followed by a private interment. A viewing will be held at the church at 11:00 a.m. Condolences may be registered at BWFosterFuneralHome.com.