Cleofas Gomes "Bia de Furna" 97 of Pawtucket, RI, passed away peacefully on February 13, 2023 at Summit Commons Rehabilitation and Health Center.
Bia was born in Brava, Cabo Verde to Juana Maria Da Luz on October 2, 1925.
She arrived in the United States in 1973 and has served the Cape Verdean community faithfully through her generosity, and her love of the Cape Verdean culture. She is well known for her traditional annual feast of St. John the Baptist, "Mastro" which is attended by people from all the New England states. The feast is followed by an annual evening dance which has raised funds and school supplies in support of education for the school children of her hometown in Brava, Cabo Verde. She has been honored by the Rhode Island Heritage Commission for her contribution to the cultural enrichment of her community and greater RI. In 1995, The Smithsonian Institute Festival of American Folklife invited her to hold her annual feast on The Mall in Washington DC, which featured the Cape Verdean culture, history and traditions. With her love and kindness, she provided food and shelter to all that appeared on her doorsteps. Bia brought sunshine, and laughter everywhere she went. She had a great sense of humor and enjoyed dancing Coladera. She was a dedicated mother and loved by all. She is survived by her children, Daniel Rodrigues of Cape Cod, MA, Antonio Rodrigues, Maria (Defati) Rodrigues, Joaquim Goncalves, Inez Moniz of Pawtucket, RI, 18 grandchildren, 34 great grandchildren and 4 great great grandchildren. She is predeceased in death by her son, Joao Rodrigues of Pawtucket, RI.
Relatives and Friends are invited to attend Calling Hours Thursday, February 16th 2023, from 4pm-7pm in the Keefe Funeral Home, Five Higginson ave. Lincoln. Her Burial will take place Friday, February 17th from the Keefe Funeral Home at 9am with a service at 10am. Burial will follow at Mt. St. Mary Cemetery, Pawtucket.
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Cleofas Gomes "Bia de Furna" 97 of Pawtucket, RI, passed away peacefully on February 13, 2023 at Summit Commons Rehabilitation and Health Center.
Bia was born in Brava, Cabo Verde to Juana Maria Da Luz on October 2, 1925.
She arrived in the United States in 1973 and has served the Cape Verdean community faithfully through her generosity, and her love of the Cape Verdean culture. She is well known for her traditional annual feast of St. John the Baptist, "Mastro" which is attended by people from all the New England states. The feast is followed by an annual evening dance which has raised funds and school supplies in support of education for the school children of her hometown in Brava, Cabo Verde. She has been honored by the Rhode Island Heritage Commission for her contribution to the cultural enrichment of her community and greater RI. In 1995, The Smithsonian Institute Festival of American Folklife invited her to hold her annual feast on The Mall in Washington DC, which featured the Cape Verdean culture, history and traditions. With her love and kindness, she provided food and shelter to all that appeared on her doorsteps. Bia brought sunshine, and laughter everywhere she went. She had a great sense of humor and enjoyed dancing Coladera. She was a dedicated mother and loved by all. She is survived by her children, Daniel Rodrigues of Cape Cod, MA, Antonio Rodrigues, Maria (Defati) Rodrigues, Joaquim Goncalves, Inez Moniz of Pawtucket, RI, 18 grandchildren, 34 great grandchildren and 4 great great grandchildren. She is predeceased in death by her son, Joao Rodrigues of Pawtucket, RI.
Relatives and Friends are invited to attend Calling Hours Thursday, February 16th 2023, from 4pm-7pm in the Keefe Funeral Home, Five Higginson ave. Lincoln. Her Burial will take place Friday, February 17th from the Keefe Funeral Home at 9am with a service at 10am. Burial will follow at Mt. St. Mary Cemetery, Pawtucket.
