Lucy Afonso Moore

Lucy Afonso (Pereira) Moore of Phoenix, Arizona, 80, died January 5, 2024 after a brief illness. She was born at home on September 3, 1943 in New Bedford, Massachusetts to parents Maria Afonso and José Maria Pereira. Notably, her family immigrated to America in March of that same year, meaning that before her birth and in the height of WW II, Lucy crossed the Atlantic and was the first American citizen in the Pereira household; a happy occasion. She spent her formative years in the tight-knit Portuguese immigrant community of New Bedford, attending church at Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception and public school with her Belleville Avenue neighborhood family and friends.

When Lucy was 13 years old, her family moved to Naugatuck, Connecticut. Here she immersed herself in the SPQR Latin Club, Choir, and served as Treasurer of the Alpha Omega Tr-Hi-Y. She belonged to the Young Historian Club, Yearbook Staff, Junior Honor Guard, Pep Club, and presciently, the Garnet Gleam Business Manager Club. In 1961, she graduated Naugatuck High School with Honors and was awarded the Portuguese Scholarship. Next, she attended Danbury State College, holding a 35-hour per week job while graduating on time in 1965 with a Bachelor of Arts in Education. Thus Lucy, the first American citizen in the Pereira family, also became the first to earn a college degree.

After a celebratory, “once in a lifetime” trip to Portugal and wider Europe with her mother, Lucy began teaching 5th grade at Sandy Hook Elementary school in Sandy Hook, Connecticut. Here, she enjoyed teaching SPACE: a Special Program for the Advancement of Cultural Education over summer sessions.

In 1967 she married her college sweetheart, Serafino “Fino” Genovese and in two years, they relocated to Tucson, Arizona. Within a year she secured employment with the telephone company, Mountain Bell, later know as Qwest Communications International, Inc. and gave birth to her son, Greg Genovese. After an amicable parting with Fino, Lucy focused on raising her son and advancing her budding career. She found her education background an unexpected asset in the corporate setting. This, paired with her personal drive and passion for excellence fueled her success as she embraced the “career girl inside” and earned her Master’s degree from the University of Phoenix in 1983.

In 1976, she met the love of her life, George Moore, at Qwest. Following a Valentine’s Day proposal, they married on June 24, 1978 in Tucson. Within six months, they moved to Phoenix and George joyfully adopted Greg as his son. They enjoyed an active life, replete with outings centered around theater, movies, and live jazz. Travel was a passion and they built memories cruising, visiting China and Africa, as well as exploring domestic treasures including the northern reaches of the Appalachian White Mountains, the Grand Canyon, a Colorado Dude Ranch, Texas, California, Florida, and Washington DC.

In Arizona, they split time between Tucson and Phoenix and Lucy developed a range of pursuits: fastidiously perfecting her form, whether in running, yoga, interior décor, or painting, all while lavishing love on her family and her favorite feline of the house. In these ways, she was a renaissance woman, well-read, patriotic and fashionable. She was known for her sharp mind, penchant for Baileys Irish Cream, utter satisfaction with a cup of well-brewed coffee, and infatuation with her beloved water bottle which she carried everywhere long before it was trendy to do so. Outside of home and work, Lucy and George built a legacy of generosity through anonymous acts of service, meeting the financial obligations of strangers, and with charitable giving to American organizations that lend a helping hand to those in need.

Across her remarkable life, Lucy is remembered as an overcomer. She survived the tragic loss of her beloved son, Greg, on May 3, 1990. She persevered through financial calamity when her retirement plan suffered major loss, rebounding with spunk and a smile by securing work at her favorite spot: Starbucks at Park Central. Here she served as Greeter, Table Hop, and “Life of the Party.” Her wit, quips, and humor sent many a patron off to work with a smile and fresh perspective. Lucy battled cancer and as she recovered, became caretaker and advocate for George as his health slowly declined. After 38 years of marriage and following his loss on December 28, 2016, Lucy was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. She responded with pragmatism, engaging with various exercise and rehabilitation specialists to remain active and strong. Rather than lose her sense of purpose, she continued as a patron of the arts and enjoyed domestic travel to stay connected with friends and family.

Besides her son and husband, Lucy is predeceased by her siblings Mary Rose (Pereira) Moffa and Joseph Afonso Pereira. She is survived by her sister, Nandy (Pereira) Gesseck, several nieces and nephews, and her faithful circle of Phoenix friends, Jackie, Christie, and Ron. She leaves behind her beloved “other son from another mother” and dear friend, Sean Kelly, who lovingly cared for her through these latter years and to the end.

Lucy began her life in New Bedford, a daughter of poor immigrant parents who came to America in pursuit of the American Dream. From her educational accolades, life experiences, and career accomplishments, Lucy exceeded her parents’ aspirations, bringing them joy and a sense of satisfaction. To those who called her “friend,” Lucy was fiercely loyal, indisputably fun, and honest to a fault. She lived out the principle that, ‘a sweet friendship refreshes the soul’ (Pr 27:9) and among those within her circle, she will be missed.

A visitation for Lucy Afonso Moore will be held Monday, January 15, 2024 from 11:00AM to 12:30PM at A.L. Moore-Grimshaw Mortuaries, 710 W. Bethany Home Road, Phoenix, AZ 85013.

A funeral service will occur Monday, January 15, 2024 at 12:30PM at 710 West Bethany Home Road, Phoenix, AZ 85013.

A graveside service will occur Monday, January 15, 2024 at 2:30PM at Phoenix Memorial Park & Mortuary, 200 W. Beardsley Road, Phoenix, AZ 85027.