With profound sadness , we announce the passing of Maria de Fatima Anselmo ,88, of Pawtucket, on Thursday, December 9, 2021. Our dearest mother, grandmother and great-grandmother was carried gently into Jesus’ arms, her last and heavenly home with her loving family by her side. She was born in Terceira, Acores,the daughter of the late Francisco Lourenco Homem and Alzira Soares Homem. She immigrated to the unfamiliar United States with nothing more than a good work ethic in 1967 with her beloved husband Carlos Anselmo in search of a brighter future for her children. They settled in Pawtucket and she obtained gainful employment in 1968 at International Packaging and later retired in 1996. She often worked two jobs to provide for her family, her hands were rarely still. She was a devoted communicant of St. Anthony’s Church.

She was the loving mother of two daughters and one son, and doting grandmother and great-grandmother of eight grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. She is survived by her son Francisco Anselmo and wife Lia of Tampa,FL ,daughters, Cidalia Mota and husband Paul of Pawtucket and Michelle Gomes of Pawtucket. Her grandchildren, Joseph Anselmo, his wife Nelia and son Joseph Jr, Frank Anselmo , Michael Anselmo, Sandra Mota and daughter Guillianna, Crystal Anselmo and son Nathan, Lisa Mota, Joshua Anselmo and Justin Anselmo. She is also survived by her sister Diamantina Silva of Chico, CA. She was preceded in death by her husband, Carlos Anselmo, her sisters Filomena Simoes and Leonilda Alves, her cousin Deolinda Evangelho and son-in-law Manuel Gomes. We find solace knowing she has been reunited with her loved ones, especially her parents, whom she both lost before the age of two years old. Her deepest sorrow in life was never knowing what her parents’ love felt like.

Maria, affectionally known as “Vova” by her grandchildren and great-grandchildren will be deeply missed and forever lovingly remembered by her family for her strength, her hard working and generous ways, and her loving heart. We took care of her, and she took care of us with adoring words and ready hugs and kisses. As we are surrounded by her everlasting love, a void will be felt in our hearts forever.

Relatives and friends are kindly invited to visitation on Thursday, December 16th from 8:30-9:15am at Keefe Funeral Home, 5 Higginson Avenue, Lincoln, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00am in St. Anthony Church, 32 Lawn Avenue, Pawtucket. Burial will follow in Gate of Heaven Cemetery, East Providence.