Josefina "Fina" Brito Pontes Teixeira

Josefina "Fina" Brito Pontes Teixeira of Boston passed away peacefully at home on November 22nd surrounded by her loving children.


Predeceased by her beloved husband Domingos Santos Teixeira of 66 years.


Loving mother of Boston Police Department Sergeant (Retired) John Teixeira and Andrea Teixeira, both of Boston.



Devoted grandmother of Tanya Alves and her husband Carl Alves of Dartmouth and John "JD" Teixeira and his wife Ashlyn (Carmo) Teixeira of New Bedford.



Dedicated great grandmother of Christian and Madison Alves, Jaiden and Tysen Teixeira.



The last of twelve siblings and the Pontes legacy of Curral Grande, Fogo, Fina was pre-deceased by the late Casimiro (Tola) Timas, Olivia Brito Pontes DePina , John Brito Pontes, Rosa (Mama) Brito Pontes, Ana Brito Pontes, Hipólito Brito Pontes, Pedro Brito Pontes, Domenica Brito Pontes DePina, Ricardina Ledo Pontes, Maria Emilia Pontes Fernandes and most recently, baby brother, Jose Heleno Pontes who passed away just 3 months ago, this past August.



Survived by numerous loving and caring nieces and nephews, extended family and dear friends.



In 1954 she married the love of her life, her late husband Domingos. 
 
In 1956 Fina and son John traveled from Fogo, Cape Verde to Sao Vicente on the Ernestina and then traveled on the Vera Cruz Ship to Lisbon Portugal. After a short stay in Lisbon, they traveled by air to Canton, OH. In 1958 after the birth of their daughter Andrea in East Liverpool, Ohio, the family permanently relocated to Massachusetts.
 
Devoted to her siblings, Fina worked tirelessly to help family members experience the same opportunities and quality of life that living in the United States made possible. She attended night school to learn English and applied for her citizenship paving the way for other family members.

Fina worked as a seamstress at Clift Manufacturing Company tailoring coats for the US Military. During the Vietnam war, the coats were then shipped to the US soldiers. In 1982, Fina retired and enjoyed more time with her friends and family.


Fina loved to travel! At a moment's notice her bags were packed and ready to go! One of her special New England places to visit was Maine. She first fell in love with Kittery, Ogunquit, Wells and Kennebunkport in 1985. Perkins Cove was a definite favorite as well as the Marginal Way with its natural beauty of the ocean vistas.

She enjoyed many trips to the homeland, Cabo Verde and adored Bermuda with the colorful pastel cottages and beautiful bougainvillea trees. Lots of adventures on Caribbean cruises and visits to Europe, Hawaii, and numerous other destinations. Fina fully enjoyed the mini vacations to Mohegan and Foxwoods Casinos in Connecticut and Lady Luck was always on her side. ߘŠ

After spending a week in Rome, a 14 Day Transatlantic Ocean Cruise was enjoyed with visits to Spain, France, Gibraltar, Portugal (with a visit to Our Lady of Fatima) the Azores and a final port of call, Boston, completing a 21-day trip of a lifetime! 
In 1998 Fina and her late husband, Domingos, purchased a condominium on Anna Maria Island located on the gulf coast of Florida, where they officially became "snowbirds" and enjoyed the mild winter temperatures, walks on the Gulf of Mexico beaches, fresh grouper, and seafood as well as the company of "new" friends.

Visits to Castle Island in South Boston were always enjoyable, observing all the water activities, taking long walks, meeting friends, and taking in the fresh air by the harbor. 
She also loved going to Wollaston Beach and Tony's Clam Shop. A favorite summer pastime enjoying her clam chowder and sweet potato fries!

Fina loved music and was an exceptionally good dancer, especially the Mazurka. 

Fina was extremely happy preparing meals in her kitchen. If you ever had a taste of Fina's delicious food, you were blessed. She loved to cook and even more loved to feed family and friends. Her specialty was her famous Cherin. A dish prepared for holidays and festivities.

She was a "favorite" aunt to her nieces and nephews. Her untiring and unconditional expressions of love and friendship to everyone, young and old, will never be forgotten.

Fina taught those around her by example. She was kind, generous, loyal, and remembered for her beautiful grace and style. She was deeply faithful and always generous in spirit, ready to lend a hand to her family, friends, and community. She was a simple person who was selfless, and caring. We will remember her stories, playful personality and her warm hugs and smile.

Josefina, Fina, Tia Fina, Dona Fina, Tia Fish and Mami - you were one of a kind, your memory is eternal. Thank you sincerely for being in our lives. We have been truly blessed.

Rest in Peace, we love you.
 
Family and friends will honor and remember Fina's life by gathering for visiting hours in St. Patrick Church, 400 Dudley Street, Roxbury, on Friday, November 26, 2021 from 4:00 to 7:00 P.M. Her Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday morning, November 27th, at 10 A.M. Burial will follow in New Calvary Cemetery.