Maria Theresa Groves

Maria Theresa Groves, 62, of Springfield, Massachusetts, passed away on August 5, 2025, at Rhode Island Hospital in Providence. Born on April 29, 1963, in Washington, D.C., Maria brought love, laughter, and soul to every space she entered.

Maria was the kind of woman who didn’t just greet you—she embraced you. A kiss on the cheek, a hug from the heart, and probably a plate of food coming your way whether you asked or not. She had a strong spirit and a giving heart. Throughout her life, she worked in food service and also spent cherished years as a stay-at-home mom, pouring her love into raising her family.

She loved music and wasn’t shy about showing it. Whether she was dancing around the room, singing at full volume, or jamming out with her signature air guitar to Diana Ross’s "I’m Coming Out", Maria made everyday moments feel like a party. And if the Jackson 5 was playing? It was over. She was the biggest fan in the room.

She also lived for cookouts—good food, good company, and great music were her favorite recipe for happiness. Whether she was manning the grill or dancing in the grass with a plate in hand, Maria was the life of every backyard gathering.

Maria loved to swim, play cards, spend time with family and friends, and get dressed up—especially in fresh new clothes and her all-white Reebok Classics. Looking good was a priority—but so was keeping it real. If you were heading out with her, you better look sharp—or she'd let you know.

And let’s talk about her cooking. Her homemade lasagna? Legendary. It wasn’t just dinner—it was a full-on event. Comfort, care, and flavor layered to perfection.
Some of her greatest joys were marrying the love of her life, raising her children, and watching her grandchildren grow up surrounded by love, laughter, and music.

Maria is survived by her husband of 35 years, Timothy Groves; daughters Maria Miles and Natasha Milsap; son Jaysen Groves (wife Sarah); granddaughters Tamyah Stevenson, Destiny Dendy, LaTasha Brailey, and Amia Miles; grandsons Jorrell Russell, Charles Kinloch IV, Jaquice Miles, and Eli Groves; great-grandson Jace Stevenson; and sisters Brenda Miles (wife Joanne Jai) and Carmen Cuffee, and her beloved nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her father Raymond Miles, mother Maria Cuffee, sisters Cheryl Worthy (husband Al) and Gina Miles, daughter Alicia Miles, and grandchild Chelsea JaNae Kinloch.

A viewing will take place on Thursday, August 14, 2025, from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM, at City Cremations, Inc., 130 Carew Street, Springfield, MA.