Maria Da Graça Gomes Fontes

It is with profound sadness, yet gratitude for a life well-lived, that we announce the passing of Maria da Graça Gomes Fontes, who went home to be with the Lord on January 28, 2025, at the age of 92. Maria passed peacefully at home in Kissimmee, Florida, surrounded by her loving family. We celebrate her extraordinary life, filled with faith, perseverance, and love. Known by family and friends as Dona Graça, Graça was born on January 9, 1933, in Cova Figueira, Fogo, Cabo Verde, to her beloved parents, Linda Maria (Da Luz) Fontes and Manuel “Nene” Gomes Fontes. Graça’s journey through life was marked by strength, tenacity, and an unshakable faith in God. Unlike most women of her time, she chose a path that was unconventional and unapologetic. She dedicated her life to ensuring the well-being of her daughters, making countless sacrifices as she journeyed from Cape Verde to Angola, to Portugal, and ultimately the United States in pursuit of greater opportunities for her family. Graça was a trained chef who expressed love through her cooking. Her kitchen was always filled with the rich aromas of meals like cachupa refogada, canja, and caldo verde. She nourished her family, not only with food but with an abundance of care. Affectionately known as “Mãe,” her love knew no bounds, extending to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, whom she cherished deeply. A woman of profound faith, Dona Graça spent her days in prayer and worship with her church family. She never let anyone leave her presence without a heartfelt “Deus abençoabo” (God bless you). Her faith was the foundation of her strength, and she walked through life with grace and devotion. She had a love for the color blue, singing, laughter, and heartfelt conversations with those she held dear. She adored her hugs, her ‘café com leite,’ and the company of her loved ones. Time and distance was never an obstacle when it came to calling and visiting her grandchildren, and she took great joy in showering her great-grandchildren with love—whether by feeding them papa cerelac or slipping candies into their coat pockets with a knowing wink and smile. Graça had a keen sense of style, always presenting herself beautifully with elegant dresses and perfectly coiffed hair. She was known for her humor and playful teasing, calling loved ones “Mãe Galinha” or jokingly saying, “Quando raiva da bu brasa caixor.” No matter what, she always reminded her family that they were “Minha Querida” and that she loved them—too much. Maria da Graça was a woman of beauty, grace, fortitude, and unwavering faith. She leaves behind a legacy of resilience and strength, passed down to her daughters and generations to come. While our hearts are heavy, we take comfort in knowing that she has found eternal peace in the arms of her Savior. She is survived by her daughters Zulmira Montrond, Luisa Ferreira, and Ana Pinto; son-in-law Carlos DePina, Sr.; siblings Maria D. Fontes and Rita Lopes; grandchildren Rosilda Alves, Sandra Montrond (and Joao Gomes), Carlos DePina (and Virginia DePina), Hugo Ferreira, Nuno Montrond, Patricia Ferreira, Víctor DePina (and Jasmine Jenkins), Sally Fontes, Emane Neves (and Gregory Urena), and Maia Neves; and great-grandchildren Genuanni Gomes, Janessa Gomes, Jeremiah Gomes, Micah Owens, Nieem Owens, Alyana Owens, A’Mia Ferreira, Nolan Montrond, Alexa James, Ethan James, Joana DePina, and Lucas DePina. She now joins her beloved parents, Linda Maria (Da Luz) Fontes and Manuel “Nene” Gomes Fontes; her daughter, Joana DePina; her son-in-law, Alberto Montrond; and her brothers, Antonio Fontes and Manuel Fontes, in eternal rest. Rest well, Dona Graça. You have fought the good fight, finished the race, and kept the faith. Your love, wisdom, and laughter will live on in the hearts of all who knew you. Deus abençoabo. A visitation will be held on Monday, February 3, 2025 from 4pm to 8pm at Osceola Memory Gardens Funeral Home - KISSIMMEE CHAPEL. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, February 4, 2025 at 11am, followed by burial at Osceola Memory Gardens Cemetery in Kissimmee, Florida. Lovely known as Biu and Beizinha de Linda, Maria will forever be remembered and loved by all those who knew her. May she rest in peace. Funeral services entrusted to Osceola Memory Gardens Funeral Home & Crematory, 1717 Old Boggy Creek Road, Kissimmee, FL 34744. Phone: (407) 847-2494 - For online condolences please visit: www.OsceolaMemGds.com

Maria Da Graça Gomes Fontes

January 9, 1933 - January 28, 2025