Benvinda Da Cruz, "Mamuska" 83, was brought to Heaven by her loving husband Joaquim on Valentine’s Day.
Born in Brava, Cape Verde, she was a daughter of the late Joao and Maria (Da Veiga) Da Cruz.
Benvinda and Joaquim immigrated to the United States in 1988 and has made Pawtucket their Home but has always kept Brava in their hearts. Mamuska dedicated her life to her family.
Benvinda loved to dance and truly enjoyed giving to others. No one ever left her house hungry or empty handed. She found the beauty in all and blessed everyone she loved. She told everyone "Bu sta mill conto". Benvinda is survived by her children, Aquila Santos and her husband John, Jorge Da Cruz and Julinha, Maria "Jania", her husband Alex, Adelina "Zica" Goncalves, Domingas "Minga" her husband Alexandre, Cinda "Cici" Keefe and her husband Tommy, her siblings Irma, Daluz, Duca, Mingo, Antonieta. She was the loving Vovo of twenty and adored by her five great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. Benvinda was also welcomed home by her beloved son, Joaquim "Kinzinho" Goncalves and brother Nana Da Cruz. She will be missed dearly, always and forever.
Calling Hours will be held Friday, February 17th from 5pm-8pm in the Keefe Funeral Home, Five Higginson Ave. Lincoln. Her funeral will be held Saturday at 8:30am from the Keefe Funeral Home, Five Higginson Ave, Lincoln with a Mass of Christian Burial in St. Anthony Church, Lawn Ave., Pawtucket at 10:30am. Graveside burial will be in Mt. St. Mary Cemetery, Pawtucket.