Amalia M. Ferreira

Amalia Martins Ferreira, 100, of Danbury, wife of the late Antonio Gomes Ferreira was born on August 8, 1922, to Francisca daCosta Felicio and Alipio Martins in Bristol, RI. She is the eldest of three daughters; Amalia, Maria Augusta and Maria Conceicao.

In 1930, her parents returned to their native land, Fornos de Algodres, Portugal, when she was only 8 years old. Fornos de Algodres, at that time a very small and rural village located approximately 4 hours north of Lisbon, the capital of Portugal. There she met Antonio Gomes Ferreira, a barber by trade and on March 28, 1939, they wed at the young age of 17 (Amalia), and 21 (Antonio).

Their 1st born, Olga Maria was born on July 12, 1941, and their 2nd daughter, Maria Elena on May 23, 1944. Their dream was ultimately to voyage to America to better their life and lives of their daughters and future children. In 1949, Amalia, being a U.S. citizen, ventured courageously to America alone leaving her daughters and husband behind. She found herself back in Rhode Island now living with her uncle and aunt, doing what she could to show her appreciation while also working in a wool factory. She yearned to be with her husband and daughters. After two long years, which felt like an eternity and a lot of red tape, she was able to send for her daughters and husband.

Amalia had moved to Danbury sometime after with a couple with whom she had become best of friends, with dreams of their own and dearly wanting to help her out. Once there, she saved enough money to rent and furnish an apartment.

Finally, in 1951, Amalia was thrilled to be once again reunited with her husband and daughters. Olga Maria was 8 years old and Maria Elena 5 years old, who barely recognized her mother. Times were tough and Amalia and Antonio, both with a language barrier, struggled to get by. Antonio was employed at Lee’s Hat Factory and part-time barber while Amalia was a homemaker and part-time worker at a shirt factory.

On April 5, 1955, they welcomed their 1st son, Antonio Jr. and on November 7, 1956, their 2nd son, Ricardo was born. Through hard work and determination, they bought land, built a loving home that housed Antonio’s barbershop, Renovation Barbershop. On that same year Elizabeth, the last of their children was born on August 25, 1961.

Amalia’s life has had its trials and tribulations but she has pushed through with strength and faith. A very religious person who with her faith and family was able to bear and cope with the loss of her married daughter Olga Ferreira Andrade (27), and son, Ricardo (15), both at a young and tender age; loss of her parents and the loss of her husband of 55 years, age of 76 in 1994.

Amalia will always be known as a kind, patient, understanding, giving, caring and loving mother and wife with a heart of gold. Best, honest, trustworthy and loyal friend who would always lend a helping hand in need. Not one for gossip or lies. A selfless person who always put others before herself. Always on the go, caring for everyone and her immaculate home.

She loved all children so much that the neighborhood children and friends of her own children would call her “mom”. Always ready to feed their belly and please their sweet tooth. She loved her family to bits and always welcomed them with open loving arms. Her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great, great grandchildren were her life and joy whom she loved caring for.

She loved to entertain with Christmas Eve being her favorite family gathering. Always celebrated at her home with homemade delicious food, a great cook indeed. Homemade Portuguese dishes and desserts. Fried dough, codfish balls, custard and rice pudding just to name a few. Plates of food would be offered and magically appear before you with her intentions of everyone leaving her home content and with a full belly.

She always gave 120% + of herself with all that, she did. A perfectionist, she always made sure her children were neatly dressed, whether it be a social event or just going to the grocery store. Amalia made sure she and her husband were well dressed as well. She is proud of herself, her family and of her heritage.

She loved to travel to Portugal to visit family on summer vacations or enjoy the beach at Sherwood Isle in Westport, CT, where she would plan and bring delicious homemade feasts for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

She was proud to get her driver’s license. She was the “Uber Driver” to her friends. Go to church, or lend a ride. When she was able, she loved to read, watch “As The World Turns”, play bingo with friends and family, sew, crochet, cook and dance. She definitely had a sweet tooth and loved ice cream, Dulce de Leche being one of her favorites.

As a young girl in Portugal, she was a Folklore dancer. A lover of dance and music. Loved to dance the “tango” with Antonio, her husband. Many family gatherings were not only about eating but also enjoying Portuguese music and dancing around her kitchen table. Her favorite singer was Amalia Rodrigues, well-known Portuguese Fado singer. In addition, Dean Martin, Engelbert Humperdinck, Elvis, and yes even the Beatles just to name a few.

To be in her company was to be in joy for she was one special, tiny but tough cookie. As the true saying goes, “Good things come in small packages,” well, this small package came with a “bonus” a huge heart. If she made you smile or laugh, you made her day. She was a proud mother and proud of her family and all the beautiful memories made throughout the years.

100 years is truly an accomplishment and how blessed and fortunate we all were to have her in our lives. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her.

Amalia is survived by her daughters Helen Ventura (Valentine), Elizabeth M. Monteiro (Guy), and son Antonio Ferreira, four grandchildren, Eric Ventura (Sandy), Valerie V. Saadi (Tom), Crystal F. Hygysician (Mark) and Rick A. Monteiro and four great grandchildren; Carlee Speede (Brandon), Sabrina, Jacob and Jaxon and three great great grandchildren; Matthew, Jaden and Gabriella.

The family would like to extend their sincere thanks and gratitude to the staff and administration at Filosa Nursing Home where she resided.