Ilda("Mae Diditcha" or "Diditcha de Nha Ninha") Vieira, 101, of Pawtucket, Rhode Island, passed away January 1, 2019, with family by her side.
She was born to the late Henriqueta Vieira and Carlos Andrade on June 18, 1917 in Brava, Santana, Cape Verde. After her mother passed away, she was raised by Ana ("Nha Ninha") Faria Gomes. Ilda lived in Brava, Santana for 69 years before immigrating to the United States. Once in the U.S., she lived with family in Pawtucket, Rhode Island and worked at a strawberry farm in New Bedford, Massachusetts. Ilda was a hard worker and really enjoyed picking strawberries.
She is survived by four children: Carolina Vieira; Joao Vieira and his wife, Eunice Vieira; Idilia Goncálves and her husband, Benvindo Goncálves; and Adelino Vieira and his wife, Alice Goncálves Vieira, all of Pawtucket, Rhode Island. She is also survived by four nieces, six nephews, 19 grandchildren, 37 great-grandchildren, and six great-great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by her sister, Margarida Vieira, her brothers, Luis and José Vieira, and one niece.
Her children and friends describe her as a strong, independent and selfless woman. She was a single mom who worked tirelessly for her family, serving as both mom and dad. Ilda loved to sing and dance. She took pleasure in watching her grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren grow.
Visiting hours will be held on Sunday, January 6, 2019 from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. at Keefe Funeral Home, Five Higginson Avenue, Lincoln, Rhode Island 02865.
Her funeral will be held Monday, January 7th at 8:30am in the Keefe Funeral Home, Five Higginson Ave, Lincoln with a Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated at 10 a.m. at Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish, 291 High Street, Pawtucket, Rhode Island 02863. Burial will follow at Mount St. Mary Cemetery, 661 Prospect Street, Pawtucket, Rhode Island 02860. Relatives and friends are invited.
Keefe Funeral Home
5 Higginson Avenue
Lincoln, Rhode Island 02865
Telephone 401-725-4253
Thomas H. Keefe, Registered Funeral Director
Copyright 2000 Keefe Funeral Home