Eugenia P. "Geninha" (Pires) Graca, 83, of Fairhaven passed away suddenly on Wednesday October 2, 2024.  She was the wife of Joao J. Graca.

Born in Brava, Cape Verde, the daughter of the late Jose L. and Justa (Fernandes) Pires, she lived in the Southcoast area for most of her life.

One of the most important things in Geninha's life was gardening, and she took great pride in her flowers. We believe the garden is where Geninha felt most at home. She knew how to care for her garden and especially her houseplants. It seems as if Geninha's season has now come to a close. Like any well-tended garden it continues to bear fruit even after the gardener walks away.

She will always be remembered as the joyful woman whose love language was food. She could always be found cooking in her kitchen and infectiously laughing over a warm stove. She taught us all that, sometimes, the best way to care and support the people in your life is simply to feed them. The rest will fall into place.

Growing up in a family with a seemingly endless list of uncles, aunts, cousins, and extended family, it could be difficult to bring people together under one roof. But, somehow, Geninha managed to do it. Perhaps it was the allure of her American chop suey, chocolate chip pancakes, shrimp and rice, curry chicken, jag or gufong. A house filled of extended family gathered around the table to enjoy the fruits of her labor made her so happy.

Lastly, and this is a big one, we believe food holds memory. Like a glance at a photograph, biting into a familiar dish or treat can activate a memory and send you right back to a specific moment.

She cared deeply for everyone she knew, whether you were her family, friend or a member of the community. She was always willing to help out someone in need. She had the kindest heart of anyone we knew. Her house was always filled with friends, family, laughter and memories.

She is survived by her husband, Joao; her children, Joseph J. Graca and his wife Tracy, Ricardo J. Graca and his wife Judy, Natalie J. Lanagan, John J. Graca and his wife Becca; and Susan J. Santos; her siblings, Maria Lessa, Alcinda Gonzales and her husband Ayres, Julia Benjamin, Elizabeth Ferreira and her husband Tony, Victoria Pires, and David Pires; 10 grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

She was predeceased by her brothers, Antonio Pires and Daniel Pires.

Her funeral service will be held on Wednesday October 9th at 11 AM at the Saunders-Dwyer Home for Funerals, 495 Park St., New Bedford.  Burial will follow in Pine Grove Cemetery.  Visiting hours will be on Tuesday October 8th from 4-8 PM.  For online condolence book, please visit www.saundersdwyer.com.