Mariana B. Gomes
Date of Passing:
Mariana B. Gomes (Barros), “Chubinha”, 91, of Hazard Avenue, passed away on Monday, September 10, 2018 surrounded by her loving family at home. She was born in Brava, Cape Verde a daughter of the late Caesar Gonsalves and Maria DeBarros.
Chubinha faced a challenging, nine month journey from Cape Verde to the United States with her stepmother, Roza Gonsalves, at the age of 21. Once here she met and married Anthony J. Coelho. She focused on obtaining her U.S. citizenship and finally succeeded in 1958. Once achieving that status she never forgot the family that she left behind and thus, sponsored numerous relatives who also dreamed of coming to America. When her family arrived in the United States, her home became their home and her support and generosity allowed them to begin lives of their own in the United States. Through these actions she was considered the matriarch of the family.
Chubinha was employed as a Utility Aide at Rhode Island Hospital until her retirement in 1991.
She loved spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She enjoyed traveling with her daughters and was an excellent cook. One of her favorite places was the supermarket and there was never a time that she would turn down an opportunity to go. Her unique use of the English language would always make you laugh – it was nothing short of amazing! She valued her friendships and she remained true to her Cape Verdean traditions. You could not escape her house without eating at least one of the many things offered. Her love was felt and known by all from the generations that came before her down to the youngest, including the neighborhood children who would knock on her door for candy. There was no limit to her love and kindness. She will always be remembered as a sweet and gentle woman.
She is survived by a daughter, Barbara E. Coelho of Providence; a son, Caesar A. Coelho of Central Falls; two sisters, Roza Sangtiago and Zabel Fortes both of Pawtucket; a brother, Alexander Gonsalves of Rumford; six grandchildren, Michael A. Coelho, William A. Fontes, Lisha M. Gomes, Traci C. Gomes, Cheyne M. Dargi and Erica L. Fontes; four great-grandchildren, Aidyn M. Frye-Dargi, Mila C. Fontes, Quincy H. Fontes and Fallon C. Santos; a son-in-law, William H. Fontes, Jr. and numerous nieces, nephews, godchildren, cousins and friends.
She was the mother of the late Alice J. Fontes; the sister of the late Emilia Monteiro, Madeline Hillman, Eva Pendleton, Ann Gonsalves, Jenny Gonsalves, Mary Monteiro, Joao DeBarros, Benjamin Gonsalves, Sonny Gonsalves, Gualdino Gonsalves, and Caesar Gonsalves, Jr.
Her funeral will be held on Monday, September 17, 2018 from the W. RAYMOND WATSON FUNERAL HOME, 350 Willett Avenue, Riverside at 8:00 a.m., with a Mass of Christian Burial in St. Martha’s Church, 2595 Pawtucket Avenue, East Providence at 10 a.m. Burial will follow in Gate of Heaven Cemetery. Calling hours are Sunday 4-7 p.m.
Barbara coelho and family
Although, no words can really help ease the losz you bear my thpughts and prayers are with all of you.
I will always remember your beautiful mother “Chubinha” as a woman of class , for her great taste and look in hats. But mostly for her smile and distintive voice.
rest in Paradise Chubinha.
May the lord comfort you Barbara and your family . The memories of your dearest mother, Chubinha, will live on and always provide welcome smiles, chuckles and many conversations. I am sorry for your loss.
My deepest condolences to this wonderful family. ?❤
I pray the lives she has touched over the years whether big or small remembers that warmth called love and continue to pay it forward
My ❤️ is so sad, I can not find words, love and prayers to the whole family
Barbara and Ceasar, I’m so sorry for your loss. Your mom was a great lady and always had a kind word. She loved to tell me stories about my mother(Ida Moniz) combing her hair when she lived on Carlton Avenue. She never forgot a face and always had a sweet smile for everyone. She will be greatly missed. Take comfort in knowing that she’s reunited with Alice and so many other loved ones who preceded her in death.
Barbara send family, our condolences on the passing of your mom.
I will always remember ‘Chubinha’ as a loving Tia-madrinha. My deepest condolences to her family and all who loved, cherished and were witness to her beautiful presence. Embrasos…
My condolences to Barbara and family. May she rest in peace.
With the passing of Chubinha, another piece of my heart has broken. I considered her my second mom. This woman’s heart was so pure. I am so happy that my family and hers, were as close as they were way back from Cape Verde. That brought this lovely woman into my life. I will miss Chubinha always. To the entire family you have my deepest condolences.
My thoughts and prayers are with you Barbara, Cousin Billy and the entire family. I am so very sorry for your loss. My dear Chubinha was such a sweet, kind, caring and loving friend. She always made me feel so welcomed, loved and special. Whenever I came home during my 31 years of living away from home she was always there with open arms, warm hugs, great food, and lots of talk, advice and laughter with that beautiful voice and her one of a kind way of phrasing her words. When my Mother passed she always had the words that I needed to hear and of course some comfort food. Chubinha will be missed but never forgotten.
My love to all of you,
Gail
The Bailey Family extends our heartfelt condolences to the Family of Mrs. Mariana Gomes.
Our deepest sympathy to Barbara & family. I didn’t know your mother personally, but Julie Coelho talked a lot about what a wonderful person she was. Barbara, Our prayers go out to you & the family. May she Rest In Peace. God bless.
I will never be able to forget Chubinha because she was the kindest, sweetest,most humble person I’ve ever known. I remember the first time I met her and Caesar was on what I remember to be my 1st trip to The Cape Verde Islands (which in reality was my 2nd trip unbeknownst to be me) and how much fun we had on the ship to the Islands! Caesar, I knew you way before I met Alice and Barbara and I knew then that we’d be lifelong friends because of the connection between our moms??. The trip to Cape Verde will always be treasured deep in my heart because it was then that I knew our families were true friends from childhood because of our Cape Verdean culture and connection! Chubinha, may you rest in Eternal Peace!!! Please say hello to my precious mom for me!!! ??????
our hearts go out to all her family. she was my ” other aunt”. I will miss her dearly. love marie and steven, michele and Kenny.
What a beautiful testimony to such a loving beautiful person. Always happy. Always showing her love. Full of Mortebeza. She will be missed and remembered always. May you rest in peace in Paradise with your loving daughter, Alice watching over your family and loved ones. Peace.
Her obituary is a wonderful testament to the way she lived, loved and was loved. I know that all of her family will miss her deeply, especially her good “friend” and confidant, her son-in-law, Bill.
My condolences to the Gomes and Coelho family on Chubinha’s crossing over. Heaven is preparing for a Cabo Verde feast!
I have known Mariana for many years and she was, indeed, a special lady. In fact, the last time I saw her was at the grocery store! Soar with the angels! My condolences to all of her family and friends. May the memories you shared together ease your grief.
What a special lady. She was like a grandmother to me. She would always call me Stevie in her special way of speaking. She will be missed but never forgotten. She’s now with her daughter, my aunt, walking hand in hand with the lord.
I was truly blessed to have met such a beautiful person as Chubinha. Once I married into the family by my wife Lynette I’ve always felt welcomed by her family in Rhode Island. We would always see Uncle Billy and Aunt Alice when we visited. Then I was introduced to Chubinha. From the first time I met her She welcomed me with open arms. I could just tell she just had so much love for everyone. I just loved how every time I see her her eyes would light up and it always warm my heart every time she would say my name. I would give her that warm grandmother hug that I loved so much. I am sorry for the loss for your family, but I will truly miss you too.
Sorry for your loss, Barbara. Keeping your family in my prayers.
I am so sorry for the passing of such a sweet and kind lady. She was like a grandmother to me and my siblings. She will be truly missed. My heart breaks for her family. I’m sorry we can’t make the funeral, but are prayers are with the whole family.
My heart breaks for you Barbara and my prayers go out to the entire family. I will always remember Auntie Chubinha for her sweet spirit, soft voice and funny sounding words. She will be missed dearly. So grateful that she kept the CV traditions alive. I will always treasure the day she taught me and my sister how to make goofongs. And thank you for telling me her name meant “little rain”. So precious!
With love,
Your cousin Susan