Maria Ester Avila, 73, of Johnston, passed away on August 4, 2026, at Morgan Health and Rehabilitation Center. She was the wife of the late Jose A. Avila. 

Born in Rabo de Peixe, St. Michael, Azores, she was the daughter of the late Joseph Costa and Adelaide Paiva Costa. She is survived by: her son Joshua (Mike Grimmer) Avila of Johnston; in-laws: Olga (Jorge) Garcia of California, Silvino (Cathy) Avila of Montreal, Canada, Lisa (Jose) Correia of Bristol, and Manny (Kerry) Avila of Medway, Mass.; and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to her husband, she was predeceased by her son Christopher Avila and brother Joseph Costa.

Mrs. Avila graduated from William E. Tolman High School. She worked briefly for Texas Instruments before taking care of her family. She was a parishioner of St. Joseph’s Church.

Her funeral services will be held on Saturday, August 8, 8 – 9:30 AM from the George C. Lima Funeral Home, 367 High Street, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial, 10 AM at St. Elizabeth’s Church, 577 Wood Street.