Josefina Barcelos

Beloved Mother, Grandmother, Great Grandmother, and friend to many passed away on December 24, 2024, at the age of 95.

Josefina was born on April 13, 1929, on the island of S. Jorge, Azores, Portugal to the late Manual Vitorino Amaral and Maria Pereira Da Rosa.  She and her beloved husband, João Machado Barcelos, immigrated to the United States in 1971 with their three children where they lived happily for many years before returning to their homeland.

She was a devout Catholic and loyally prayed the rosary.  She was also an avid seamstress, enjoyed knitting and spending time with family (and loyal friends), especially as she shared and passed on Portuguese traditions to her granddaughters.  She was very proud of her garden and rejoiced in watching her plants and flowers flourish. Her love of children and animals, especially the family pets, was evident from the glow and smile she presented when around them.  Josefina spent the last five years living in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with her granddaughter and grandson-in-law where she enjoyed many trips to the Jersey Shore, walks around the neighborhood, shopping at her favorite stores, and quiet time spent at home with her family- she even learned to cheer on the Philadelphia Eagles (green rosary-in-hand and all) and the Phillies.  One of her greatest joys was realized when she became a Great Grandmother.

She is survived by her daughter Angela Borges (José) of New Bedford, MA; granddaughters Anna Ferreira-Pandolfi (Michael) of Philadelphia, PA, Jacqueline Blake (Scott) of Northford, CT, Josefina Borges of New Bedford, MA; great grandchildren Gabriella Duartina Blake and Grayson Barcelos Blake of Northford, CT; sister Guiomar Silveira of Acushnet, MA; and many nephews and nieces, especially her beloved niece Adelina Machado of Terceira, Azores.

Josefina is preceded in death by her loving husband, João Machado Barcelos; son José Manual Barcelos; daughter Duartina “Tina” Ferreira; brothers João Pereira Da Rosa Lopes, José Isidoro Da Rosa Lopes, Rogerio Amaral; and sisters Maria Santa Pereira Da Rosa Lopes, Maria da Conceição Lopes, Maria Freitas, and Fatima Amaral.

Funeral services will be held in her hometown of Beira, S. Jorge, Azores, Portugal.

A memorial mass will be held thereafter (date to be announced) in Philadelphia, PA.

Meu Deus! Eu creio, adoro, espero e amo-Vos.

Peço-Vos perdão para os que não créem, não adoram,

não esperam e não Vos amam.

O Jesus, é por amor de Ti,

e pela conversão dos pecadores e em reparação

pelos pecados cometidos contra o Coração Imaculado de Maria!

O meu Jesus, perdoe-nos, salve-nos do fogo do inferno;

conduza todas as almas para o Céu,

especialmente as que mais precisam.