It is with heavy hearts yet deep gratitude for her extraordinary life that we announce the passing of Mary Rose Teixeira on Thursday, December 12, in Las Vegas, NV, at the home she lovingly shared with her daughter and son-in-law, Karen and Vernon Coleman.
Mary was born on December 4, 1922, and at 102 years of age she embodied a legacy of resilience, creativity, and love. Mary was the cherished widow of Joseph "Tabacco" Ramos of New Bedford, MA, and the beloved matriarch of her family, leaving behind an indelible mark as a mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, friend, and godmother to so many.
Born in New Bedford to the late Frederico and Justa Monteiro Teixeira, Mary grew up steeped in the rich traditions of her Cape Verdean heritage. Like the strong women of her lineage, Mary was a force of nature-a true "superwoman" whose life was a testament to strength and grace.
Mary's journey was as dynamic as she was. As a young woman, she honed her craft as a hairstylist in Boston before returning to New Bedford, where her talents flourished in various roles. She worked tirelessly as a domestic nanny, nurse's aide, skilled seamstress, and later as a home health care provider. Mary's hands, never idle, wove comfort and beauty into the lives of those she loved-crafting exquisite knitted and crocheted treasures that she gifted to family and friends. From lap robes to afghans, every stitch carried her love.
A feisty and adventurous soul, Mary embraced life with vigor, living in Washington, DC; Los Angeles, CA; and Las Vegas, NV, alongside her daughter Karen, son-in-law Vernon, and grandson Justin. Yet, her heart always returned to the front porch of her home on Acushnet Avenue, where she reveled in the 4th of July Cape Verdean parades. Surrounded by the laughter of family and friends, Mary celebrated her culture with unmatched pride and joy.
Her love of cooking was legendary, with her cranberry and banana breads earning the admiration of everyone, including the Bay Village maintenance men, who became her allies in DIY projects. A curious mind and avid reader, Mary was also a devoted fan of "Dancing with the Stars," her evenings often filled with the sparkle of sequins and the rhythm of ballroom dances.
A gifted chronicler, Mary kept diaries and journals for over 50 years, preserving the vibrant tapestry of her life and those around her. Through her detailed and vivid accounts, she leaves us a precious gift: a window into her world, filled with wit, wisdom, and an appreciation for life's small yet profound moments.
Mary's spirit lives on in her children: Karen Ramos Coleman and her husband Vernon of Las Vegas, NV; Frederico Ramos of San Francisco, CA; and Randahl Teixeira Ramos of El Sobrante, CA. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Justin Bates and his wife Monica of Los Angeles, CA, and Sayre Sadie Helbling-Fry of Oakland, CA; her sister, Isabelle (Teixeira) Livramento of Rumford, RI; her nieces and grandnieces Judee Livramento of New York City, Lenore Ramos, Delma and her husband Scott McConnell of Delray Beach, FL, and Ciarra and Ariel Livramento of New York City and her grandnephew Jordon Ramos of Enfield, CN. She was predeceased by her sister Paulina (Teixeira) Ramos of Delray Beach, FL, her nephew Valdemar Ramos of Enfield, CN, and son-in-love Erich Hoff of El Sobrante, CA, her son Randahl's life partner. She is survived by countless extended Ramos and Teixeira family members and dear friends, including Stacee Rose of North Dartmouth and Michael Lobo of New Bedford.
Mary was a devout parishioner of Our Lady of the Assumption Church in New Bedford. Her Funeral will be held on Friday, January 17th at 9 AM from the Saunders-Dwyer Home for Funerals, 495 Park St., New Bedford, followed by her Funeral Mass at Our Lady of the Assumption Church at 10 AM. She will be laid to rest at St. John's Cemetery, reunited with her beloved Joseph. Visiting hours will be on Thursday, January 16th from 4-7 PM.
In celebrating Mary's remarkable life, we honor her legacy of love, resilience, and creativity, forever cherishing the light she brought to our lives. Rest in peace, Mary. You remain a shining star in our hearts.