Maria Filomena Do Carmo Rocha Goncalves de Brito affectionately known as Carmo, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on August 1st, 2023, in Providence, RI.
Carmo was born on July 16, 1958, in Cutelo, Assomada on the Island of Santiago, Cabo Verde. She was predeceased by her late parents Antero Rocha Goncalves and Maria de Fatima da Lomba Goncalves.
She is survived by her husband Sebastiao Tavares, daughter Elisangela Fernandes and husband Rafael Fernandes of Pawtucket, daughter Deise Brito of Atlanta, GA, and daughter Rosy de Brito of Pawtucket. She will be missed and forever cherished by her grandchildren Denise, Daylin, Daneya, Demitrius, Delaney, Cristiano, Zoey and Darryl. Her two loving great-grandchildren Ezra and Emory will hear about her beautiful spirit for years to come.
Carmo’s strength and tenacity will forever be imprinted on her siblings, five younger sisters and three younger brothers. Her aunts & beloved uncle Octavio Miranda were honored to have a niece ever so special. Carmo’s nieces and nephews near and far will cherish all the fond moments shared with her. A heartfelt thank you to Eunice, who selflessly devoted her time day and night to nurture and take care of our beloved mother.
After seventeen devoted years employed at Providence College, she took a medical leave of absence and continues to be missed by all her peers.
Prior to immigrating to the USA, Carmo was not only a cherished educator and civil servant, but she also possessed an incredible gift – her amazing handwriting graced the pages of countless students' work and their identification cards “bilhete de Indentidade” in Santiago. From 1979 to 1985, she served as a primary school teacher and director of the Ciclo Preparatório do Tarrafal, leaving an indelible mark on her students' lives and inspiring young minds to reach their fullest potential. Throughout her professional years in Santiago, Carmo embraced her role as an educator with unparalleled dedication and passion.
Carmo's career journey led her to Achada do Santo Antonio, Praia, where she continued to make a profound impact, breaking barriers with her linguistic skills, gracefully speaking in French, Portuguese and Spanish, fostering connections between cultures. She assumed a role in Human Resources at Assomada's City Hall, where her leadership and clerical prowess shone brightly, contributing significantly to the betterment of the community she served. Carmo’s dedication to serving her community remained unwavering.
Carmo was known for her irresistible smile, she walked into every room with grace. She showed love to everyone in abundance. Her extroverted personality, exuberant laughter, and boundless compassion captivated everyone she encountered. Her presence uplifted spirits wherever she went, making even the darkest days a bit brighter for those around her.
She was a true supporter to all, if you shared an achievement with Carmo she made a way to celebrate you. Her love for family and friends did not stop at her display of affection but carried on to her ‘green thumb’ as she loved flowers and plants and enjoyed gardening.
Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend visitation on Sunday August 6th, 2023, at Keefe Funeral Home, 5 Higginson Ave., Lincoln, RI 02865 from 3:00 - 6:00pm.
The funeral Mass will be held on Monday August 7th, 2023, at 10:00am in Saint Michael’s Church, 239 Oxford St., Providence, RI 02905. Please meet directly at the church.
In lieu of flowers, plants can be ordered through Blossoms Design Bouquet, 160 Smithfield Ave Pawtucket, RI 02860. The plants will be the commence of a garden in honor of Carmo. Her ray of sunshine will continue to shine down on us as she lives on in our hearts.