LI Woman, Who Police Say Was Slain By Her Husband, Remembered As 'A Light In The Lives Of All Who Knew Her'

FARMINGVILLE, NY — The family and friends of Adriana Barbosa,who investigators say was slain by her estranged husband last week, was remembered for being a "light in the lives of all who knew her," according to a page on the crowd-funding platform, GoFundMe, which was posted by Brazilian Gospel Church in Selden.

The church, alone, has raised more than $26,000, while three other pages have sprung up, raising more than $40,000, to support her family.

"It is with broken hearts that we share the devastating loss of our sister, Adriana Paulino Barbosa, a truly extraordinary woman whose life was cut short prematurely," the church's post read. "She was a loving mother, daughter, sister, and friend — a light in the lives of all who knew her. Her kindness was natural, her laughter contagious, and her strength inspiring."

The post described Barbosa, 46, as having a "heart big enough to embrace everyone's pain and carried herself with grace even in life's most difficult storms."

"She loved deeply, gave generously, and always put others first," it read. "To know her was to feel safe, valued, and understood."

It described her death as "an unimaginable tragedy" that has "left her family and friends in profound sorrow," saying "no words can capture the pain of losing someone so precious in such a violent and senseless way."

"What remains is the love she poured into this world — a love that will never fade," the post continued.

Barbosa was stabbed by Marcos Marques-Leal inside of her Granny Road home on Feb. 12, and a child relative, in her teens, who was home during the bloody attack, suffered superficial wounds when she tried to put an end to the attack, Suffolk police said.

Leal then stabbed himself, and after officers arrived, he was charged with her murder and taken under guard to the hospital.

His defense attorney, Michael Seth Ross of Hauppauge, could not be reached.

Police told Patch that Barbosa and Leal did not live together, and no one else was in the unit, but there was a downstairs tenant who was home at the time of the stabbing.

There were "a few non-violent domestic calls" over the past few months, according to police.

The motive for the attack is under investigation, a police spokesman said.

Brazilian Gospel Church's leadership say they are raising funds to help support Barbosa's family "during this painful time," and the donations will go toward "funeral and memorial service expenses, legal costs, counseling services, and providing stability and care for her children and loved ones as they begin the long journey toward healing.

They asked followers to make a donation, even if small, and if not to share the page and keep Barbosa and her family in their "thoughts and prayers."

"Let us honor the life of our sister Adriana, not for how it ended, but for the beauty, strength, and compassion she brought to this world. Her memory will live forever in our hearts," the post concluded. "We thank you for your love, support, and affection during this incredibly difficult time."

Patch has reached out to the church.

Barbara Levy posted a page for Barbosa, describing her as an employee of 25 years and considered her a part of her family. Barbosa was "incredibly proud of the home she worked so hard to purchase" and her children will have an "uncertain future," Levy added.

"They will need help with living expenses, mortgage payments, and education costs as they try to maintain stability and pursue their dreams," she said. "Both girls are hardworking — balancing jobs and school — but the challenges ahead are immense."

Another GoFundMe, was organized in support of Barbosa's children.

"Last night, their family went through a devastating tragedy that led to them losing their beautiful, kind-hearted, hardworking, and strong mother, Adriana Barbosa," writes the poster, who adds that the donations will help with "the financial hardship that is weighing" on their shoulders.

A third GoFundMe has raised close to $1,000 toward a $15,000 goal.