On Sunday, August 4, 2024, Anna Veiga Pina (Mai Mai), our beloved Mother, Sister, Grandmother, Aunt, and Friend peacefully passed away at the age of 92, surrounded by her family.
She was born in the village of Cutelo Covada in Brava, Cape Verde on March 2, 1932. Mai Mai migrated to the United States in 1972, seeking new opportunities and a brighter future for her family. She paved the way for many of her family members that are in the United States today. She did this as a single mother who worked tirelessly for many years as a factory worker up until her retirement in 1996.
Mai Mai was kind-hearted, loved her big family, and enjoyed spending time with them. She was a devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother known for her generous spirit and unwavering dedication to her loved ones. Her home was always a place of comfort and joy, where she welcomed everyone with open arms, a hearty meal, and a hot cup of coffee. Mai Mai embraced the challenges of adapting to a new culture and language, all while maintaining a deep connection to her Cape Verdean roots. She shared her heritage through music, singing, and the delicious foods such as her famous “gufonginho” that she always made with love. Her proudest accomplishment was instilling the values of faith, perseverance, and compassion in her family.
Mai Mai is survived by her three children Maria “Fafa” DeBarros and Son-in-Law, Daniel DeBarros, Jose Veiga and Daughter-in-Law Dr. Leila Rosa, and Deolinda Ramos.
She also leaves behind five grandchildren and their spouses; Matilda Xavier & Pedro Xavier, Napoleon DeBarros & Missy DeBarros, Denise DeBarros & Ryan Murray, Diane Pina & Elmer Pina, and Jamil Colon. Seven Great Grandchildren; Ryan Murray, the late Zeferino Domingues, Derrell Murray, Napoleon DeBarros, Amara Pina, Mariana Xavier, and Travon Pina. And Four Great, Great Grandchildren; Derozan Murray, Aubrey Domingues, Carmelo Murray, and Luka Murray. She also leaves to mourn her loving brothers and sisters, as well as many nieces and nephews. Mai Mai was loved by everyone and will be deeply missed by all, but never forgotten.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30am on Saturday, August 10th at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, 291 High Street, Pawtucket RI 02860. Calling hours will be on Friday, August 9 at Keefe Funeral from 4pm-7pm.Burial will follow at the Swan Point Cemetery, Providence.