November — Get Lost in Ludlow Newsletter

Fresh out of St. John’s School of Business, Maria was working in accounts payable at the A&P grocery store in Springfield when a family connection led her down a new path. “My sister told me about a job opening at the Ludlow Town Hall in the Assessors’ Office,” she recalls. “It made sense to apply since I had a two-year-old daughter who
would soon be attending Veterans Park Elementary. I applied, not really expecting to get the job—but I did, and I was thrilled. Close to home and close to school. It was perfect.”

Her first day—February 2, 1988—is still vivid in her memory. “I remember wearing a blue dress because we had to dress up,” she said with a smile. “My first task was balancing the excise commitments, sewer, street, and water
betterments. Back then, it was all manual—calculators, ledgers, and typewriters. I loved it.”

Her enthusiasm and attention to detail didn’t go unnoticed. The Assistant Assessor at the time, Mrs. Testori, began entrusting her with more responsibilities—teaching her how to sketch homes on the computer, identify deeds, and process owner transfers. Alongside Mr. Alves, the then Associate Assessor, she quickly became an integral part
of the team.

As the youngest employee at Town Hall—an honor she held for a decade—Maria fondly remembers the people who helped shape her career. “I worked closely with the Tax Collector, Fred Pereira, and his staff. Everyone was so
kind and willing to help. The departments—Planning, Building, DPW—no matter who I called, someone was always there to lend a hand.”

After 19 years in the Assessors’ Office, she transitioned to the Planning Board, where she spent six years expanding her knowledge of plans, personal property, and land use. When Mrs. Testori retired, Maria returned to her roots as Associate Assessor, working once again alongside a familiar face—Mr. Alves, now Assistant Assessor. “I always joke that the only downfall was having to work with Joe again,” she laughs. “But truly, it was great to be back doing what I love.”

What keeps her motivated after all these years? For Maria, it’s simple—the people. “I enjoy assisting residents and surrounding communities with their questions, and sometimes just lending a listening ear. Many of them have a lifetime of knowledge, and I’ve learned so much about Ludlow through them. Over the years, I’ve built lasting
friendships with both current and former employees,” she said.

Maria’s longtime colleague and friend, Assistant Assessor Joe Alves, shared heartfelt words about her remarkable career: “Maria has been here 37 years since 1988, with 31 of those years in the Assessors’ Office and a six-year stint at the Planning Board,” Joe said. “You could not ask for a better employee. Her extensive knowledge, impeccable attendance, and dedication to both her work and the community are unmatched. She’s great with the public, well-liked throughout town, and always ready to help with any issue that arises. I hope she never retires—it would be a great loss to the Town of Ludlow, and especially to the Assessors’ Office.”

When asked what she hopes people will remember most about her time in Ludlow, her answer reflects the core of who she is: “I hope they remember me as someone who went above and beyond to assist others—to the best of my knowledge—and as someone who treated every resident and taxpayer equally. Consistency and fairness are so important in public service.”

After 37 years of service, Maria remains a shining example of dedication, professionalism, and heart. Her journey through Town Hall is not just a story of career longevity—it’s a story of commitment to community, and the quiet, steady excellence that keeps Ludlow running strong.

This holiday season, the Town of Ludlow is hosting an Angel Tree Program, aimed to provide local families with holiday meals during these uncertain times.

From now until November 21, community members can donate gift cards or purchase grocery essentials and drop them off at the Select Board Office on the 3rd floor of Ludlow Town Hall.

Suggested gift cards include local grocery stores, Walmart, Target, Big Y, Stop & Shop and Amazon. For more information, please contact bbeaumier@ludlow.ma.us. View the full flyer here.

If you or someone you know is in need of donations, fill out the application here.