Palmira DaSilva Goncalves (known lovingly as "Mima" by her grandchildren)

Palmira DaSilva Goncalves, 90, of Providence, Rhode Island, originally from the Cape Verde Islands, passed away peacefully at her home on Saturday, February 8, 2025, surrounded by her daughter and grandchildren.

She was a pillar of the Cape Verdean community in Providence, known for her service, leadership, and unwavering dedication to her people. At just 15 years old, she emigrated from the Cape Verde Islands, thus becoming the first of her family to journey to America and paving the way for generations to come.

Blessed with incredible determination and an entrepreneurship spirit, Palmira purchased multiple homes—several of them on Rhodes Street on the south side of Providence, RI. She worked tirelessly to reunite her family, ultimately sponsoring and bringing her siblings, parents, and many other relatives to America. Rhodes Street became the cornerstone of Palmira’s version of the American Dream, and served as the first home for nearly everyone she brought from the Cape Verde Islands. It was there on Rhodes Street where they all settled until they eventually found their footings and ventured out to build their own lives in America.

Palmira had a heart as big as her vision, always striving to create opportunities for those she loved. She had an open-door policy and was always ready to welcome her family, strangers, or anyone who needed her help. Her house was a safe haven. Her legacy is one of tenacity, compassion, resilience, generosity, and an unshakable commitment to her family and her community.

She was deeply committed to preserving and sharing the Cape Verdean culture. She founded and presided over a nonprofit organization known as Pó Di Terra which later was incorporated as the RI-Cape Verdean Culture Exchange and Education Project, Inc. She introduced the art of Batuku Dancing to communities across Rhode Island.

Under her leadership, the organization brought the Cape Verdean culture and traditions across the state, through live performances and teachings at venues such as the Cape Verdean Festivals, local school auditoriums, and cultural exchange functions. Her generosity extended beyond the stage. During Christmas each year, she worked with Toys for Tots to provide gifts to children in need. In summers, she partnered with state programs to serve meals to children in the community from her own home. Palmira was honored by Mayor “Buddy” Cianci of Providence, Governor Lincoln Chafee, and U.S Senators Sheldon Whitehouse and Jack Reed among others, for her philanthropic work.

Palmira’s impact also extended beyond borders. Through her work with Sister Cities International, she facilitated a connection with Cape Verde, thereby gathering school supplies, clothing, food and other essential items to send to her birth place. Palmira was very well aware of how critical the need for such items are to the people there. Her devotion to uplifting others was not just local, it was global.

Palmira was fearless, determined, festive and always ahead of her time. She had a deep love for fashion, often calling herself a “hot dog” when she dressed up, always “in style.” She was a dancer at heart, and no celebration was complete without her infectious energy. She was of course legendary for her Catchupa, a dish people traveled far and wide to enjoy as well as her Cuscus di Mandioca.

Family was everything to her. She not only raised her own children, but also played an instrumental role in helping to raise her grandchildren – living with them during their formative years, and again in her later years. She was cared for by those she loved, especially her daughter Joann and grandson Jordan. Joann and her children remained by her side until the very end.

Palmira’s legacy is one of love, family, and community. Who would have imagined that a 15 year-old immigrant girl, arriving without knowing any English, would go on to build such a strong foundation—not just for her family, but for generations to come? She was a true trailblazer, always putting her loved ones first—helping them build new lives in the U.S., creating spaces where Cape Verdean traditions could flourish, and becoming a beacon of light for those around her. From nothing, she built a lasting impact that continues to inspire. She will be remembered for her unwavering spirit, impeccable style, and the love she poured into everything she did. She will be deeply missed.

She is survived by her daughter, Joann Gonçalves Peareara and her grandchildren: Jazmin Eaves, Hubert Eaves V, Jaylin Eaves, and Jordan Peareara. She is also survived by her siblings, Emilia Freitas, Maria Monteiro, Belmira Monteiro, Andreza Barros, João Goncalves, and Daniel Goncalves as well as her best friend of over 50 years, Lucille Beatty, and a host of extended family membersand dear friends.

She is preceded in death by her son, Joaquim “Jackie” Tavares Alvarenga, and her parents, Arsenio Gonçalves and Luisa DaSilva Gonçalves. She is also preceded in death by her siblings, Jose Gonçalves, Alfredo Gonçalves, Francisco Gonçalves, Alice Gonçalves, and Tomosia Gonçalves.

Calling hours will be held on Friday, February 14, 2025, from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at The Keefe Funeral Home, 5 Higginson Ave, Lincoln, RI. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow on Saturday, February 15, 2025, at 10:00 AM at St. Michael’s Church, 239 Oxford St, Providence, RI. Please meet directly at church. Burial will be held at Gate of Heaven Cemetery on Saturday, February 15, 2025 following mass, 550 Wampanoag Trail, Riverside, RI.