Silvestra Cristina (Santos) Rosa, affectionately referred to as “Vovo Betinha”, of Providence RI, passed peacefully at the age of 92, curled up in her favorite blanket, while surrounded by loved ones on Friday, March 1st.

Vovo Betinha was born in Santo Antão, Cabo Verde to parents, Cristina Silvestra and João Gomes along with surviving sisters, Maria de Lourdes Gomes and Luisa Maria Gomes, and her late brother, Lino Gomes. She was married to the love of her life and soulmate, late husband Abraão Rosa. She is also survived by their only child, Domingas Alfama; grandchildren, who were her pride and joy, Cristina Barros and John Dalomba; great-grandchildren, Issac A. Barros, Noah A. Barros, Tyrese R. Dalomba, and Marquis J. Dalomba, and great-great-granddaughter; Navaya L. Dalomba, who wish that she may rest peacefully alongside her only great-granddaughter, Katlina B. Barbosa.

Her beautiful love story began at a young age and although her husband passed in 1998, her love for him remained true in her heart. When they were starting their lives together, Abraao was in the army and she thoroughly enjoyed supporting him and always staying busy. Their daughter, Domingas, or “Minginha”, quickly became their reason for being and although she went on to have a family of her own, Vovo Betinha continued to care for her while also becoming inseparable best friends.

Altruistic in nature, Vovo Betinha always loved to give, help, and instill hope and faith in others. She was inspired and driven by her faith and her strong belief in Jehovah God. She trusted that there would be a better time with more peaceful days to come, and that brought her comfort and joy that she loved to share with others. She worried about you before you had the chance to worry about yourself. She always shared whatever she had, often even going without to ensure everyone else did not. She was known for her gentle smile and admiration for children, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She enjoyed waking up early and cooking for everyone. She passionately comforted her loved ones and friends, not only with her thoughtful words but also with her soulfully delicious cooking.

Vovo Betinha always said that her greatest accomplishment was raising her grandchildren and passing on her legacy to the four generations she lived to see. The greatest tribute we can give her is to continue carrying on her legacy of kindness, giving, and love to future generations.

A memorial service honoring Vovo Betinha will be held on Sunday, March 10th at Keefe Funeral Home, 5 Higginson Ave, Lincoln RI 02865, from 2-4pm. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to HopeHealth Hospice & Palliative Care.