EMILIA ALMEIDA

Emilia (Ferreira) Almeida passed away on December 11,2020, peacefully. She was 92 years old and surrounded by her family at the time of her passing. Emilia ( also known as Millie and Grandma) was born on June 30, 1928 in New Bedford, Massachusetts to the late Jose and Emilia Ferreira (Alexandre). She was predeceased by her husband David (Poppy), her sister Florinda and her brother Joseph.

At a young age, Emilia’s moved to Yonkers, New York where she lived for most of her life. She married David Almeida on November 28, 1948. They had a rewarding life together revolving around five children: David (Maryellen), Donald (Gail), Douglas (Stephanie), Daniel (Jeanette) and Deborah (Anthony); 17 grandchildren, Danielle, David (Danielle), Gillian (Vince), Gabriella, Matthew, Chris (Maureen), Shaun (Jamie), Doug (Amy), Nick, Dana (Brett), Alyssa (Colin), Victoria, Alexandra, Daniel, Christina, Maria and Anthony; and 9 great grandchildren with 3 more on the way.

Throughout her life she was the core of the family and extended family – a job she executed flawlessly and with great heart and passion for over 70 years. To her children she was the coach, cheerleader, mentor, biggest fan and defender. She was a den mother, active PTA participant, and tutor as well as many other roles over 50 years. She could often be seen and heard at sporting events. She was not known as being a sports fan except when her kids and later grandkids were playing – then she was a fanatic!! She was also extremely close to her son in-law and daughter in-laws. They were all in her inner circle and were treated as good, if not better, than her natural kids.

In addition to her family career, she served as the office manager in the family’s construction business and played an active role as a member of the Yonkers Portuguese American Club.

All that said, Emilia’s greatest calling in life was to be a vibrant, engaged and loving grandmother. She was very involved in the lives of her grandchildren and is adored by each of them in a special way. Until very recently, she attended all birthday celebrations, gradua- tion ceremonies, and numerous special events. She was known for the moment on Christmas Eve when she would give out her gifts.

Over the years she and Poppy traveled with many of the grand- kids around the world and visited them wherever they were. Rhode Island was a very special place where she spent years of fun with her kids, grandkids and great grandkids. She was a great one and will be sorely missed.

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, services at Waterbury & Kelly Funeral Home, St. Theresa Church and Ferncliff Mausoleum will be held privately. The Funeral Mass will be live-streamed on Friday, December 18, 2020 at 11:30 a.m. The link may be found at http://sainttheresa.org

In remembrance of Emilia’s life, the family asks that any charita- ble donations be made to Making Headway Foundation (https://makingheadway.org).