Sharon,
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this difficult time . 

If one had to choose one word to describe Mom, it would have been patient.  Through good –and bad—she never failed to exhibit patience, regardless of the circumstance or how she really felt.  
  There are other words of course; kind, generous, curious, a woman of faith and a host of others.
   Only those that knew her well appreciated that behind the quiet demeanor was a sharp mind and an implacable will.  A true child of the greatest generation, she was always concerned about the welfare of others, ahead of her own. 
    I especially came to respect her support of my endeavors for work and my fanciful hobbies, even when she was concerned about the first and didn't understand most of the second.  That did not matter to her; she only saw it mattered to me and that was good enough for her.
   We were so fortunate that she was able to stay fully engaged to the very end.
    I so miss our twice daily phone calls; the ache I feel at that lack is enormous.  Rationally I knew this day would come eventually, as it does to all of us.  That doesn't make the ache less.
    Time, it is said will make it hurt less; I hope that is does, but I know it will never go away completely.  The onus is on me, and the others whose lives she touched to remember her and the lessons she imparted by how she lived her life.
   Mom has gently laid her burden down, and now she can rest.
  I love you Mom and I always will.
  Steve 

In every family I think family members fall into  different roles. My grandfather, Arthur, was the unquestionably leader of the family. He was loud and right in the front with the big ideas and big plans. Much quieter though in the background  was the actual glue of our family, my grandmother Helen. My grandfather may have had the big plans but it was my grandmother that typically did the things that actually made those things happen. 

Glue is a great description for my grandmother as she quiet literature held our family together.

As a child I have memories of trips to Florida and Disney, the dog track and many other places where even though I was still a kid my grandmother would explain, in detail, the goings on in a way that I easily understood. This is a quality that as an adult I came to realize few posses, the ability to truly engage and connect with children. Years later I would watch her do the same with my own children, her great grandchildren. It was almost uncanny to watch.

Family was by far the most important thing to my grandmother. Her empathy toward others always present. What impressed me most though, especially in her later years, was her ability adjust her thinking, easily, with the times. Her ideas, views and thoughts were never antiquated, even at 92 years old. She stayed current on just about everything and she'd love to quiz me when I saw her on this or that to get my thoughts and views. She loved to engage, the sane as she did when I was a kid. 

I'll miss my grandmother a great deal. I already do. 



Sharon Danny and family  My thoughts and prayers are with you.May the memory of your mom bring you comfort and pease. So sorry for your loss   Doreen Stephen and Maria

Giving my condolences. She was a special lady.

I received the sad news today of your Mother's passing. 

Reaching into the cobwebs of my memory bank, I remember your Mom's warm welcome and kindness, my first visit to the family  home, in Acushnet. I am remembering her smile as I see her photo above.

She clearly was a very strong woman to have gone the distance through your Dad's illness. I admire her courage.

I  offer my heartfelt condolences to Steve and the entire Souza family.

Sincerely, Anne Caradonna 


Grandma, 

	This hurts so much because you were genuinely one of my best friends. I cherished any time I'd be able to have with you, so much so that I would spend the night at your house occasionally even throughout my High School years. Your house has always been a sanctuary for me. Familiarity, comfort are two of the many things you brought me, and seemingly two of the things you valued. Neither you nor your beautiful house ever changed, and I always loved that. 

	You taught me life is purpose, you even said so explicitly when I asked you what retirement was like. You first found purpose in your career, one you were clearly so proud and grateful to have. However you found your biggest purpose in family; specifically caring for them, guiding them and watching them grow. 

	Your empathy for the world was unyielding and passionate, even to the point of  stressing yourself out by watching the news, and worrying about outcomes entirely beyond our control. You kept yourself  keenly aware of current events, whenever I had questions about them I’d ask you. You’d question me as well, about generational things, and we loved teaching each other. Your curiosity was endless, and nothing, no matter how new or foreign to you, was too rigid to accept. I admire this so much about you. 

	You were one of the sharpest, most inquisitive and intelligent people I’d ever met right until your very last days. As sudden and heartbreaking as all of this is, I believe you lived the exact life you wanted to live, and I am so grateful for that. 

I love you Grandma, I miss you,  and I will carry you with me for the rest of my life. 


My Mom was the sweetest person, not only to me , but to everyone she met. She taught me and my brothers to always be kind, honest, & have compassion for others. As I grew older , I realized more and more what a true treasure she was through our daily conversations.  I looked forward to our visits and daily phone calls.  She always worried about her children & grandchildren’s well being & happiness. Even in her final hours she had the compassionate fortitude to wish each one of us a long and happy life. She taught us by example how to be the ideal wife, mother, grandmother & an exceptionally caring person. Thank you for being a devoted Mom and teaching us the meaning of love & integrity. I will be forever grateful for your guidance, love, and undeniable strength you showed us when Dad was ill. Rest In Peace my sweet Mom. Love you always,  Sharon ❤️

I’m so sorry to hear of the loss of Mrs. Souza. She was always so kind to all of us in the Josefek family. We shared many holidays together over the years and I have many fond memories of her. Sending love…🙏🏻  

OBITUARY

Helen Souza

30 November, 1930 – 1 January, 2023

Rock Funeral Home

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