"Raposa Family, Helen was a blessing to have around. She knew how to lighten up anyones day! She will be forever missed but never forgotten! Her smile will always stay with me. Her words of love will forever be apart of me! "For as long as your heart is feeling the sadness of loss. May it also feel the warmth and caring that surround you" -- One thing for sure Helen, loved her family very much and i cherish that. With Love, Kayla Parayno 3-11 CNA"
In loving memory of
Marge Raposa
June 23, 1925 - June 29, 2009
Portsmouth, RI - Helen Marjorie Marge Finnegan Raposa, 84, of Portsmouth, RI, died peacefully at Newport Hospital on Monday, June 29, 2009. She was the wife of Joseph Raposa Jr., of Portsmouth, RI. She was born on June 23, 1925 in Fall River, MA, the daughter of Owen and Esther Turcotte Finnegan. She attended Sacred Heart Academy in Fall River. Marge was employed for many years at New England Telephone Company in Fall River.Her most rewarding job was wife to Joseph Raposa, Jr. to whom she recently celebrated 58 years of marriage. As a housewife and mother of seven children not only did she enjoy cooking and baking, she also opened her heart and home to many friends and extended family. In her spare time she enjoyed reading, and spending time with her poodles. In later years she enjoyed winters in Naples, Florida. Throughout her life she enjoyed traveling with friends and family to various places around the globe. Her favorite journey was to Ireland, Wales and Normandy.She was the proud mother of seven children: David J. Raposa and his wife Susan, Paul A. Raposa and wife, Eileen, Robert D. Raposa and wife, Mary, Joseph O. Raposa, Peter J. Raposa and wife Coleen, Stephen F. Raposa and wife Donna and her only daughter, Nancy E. Raposa. She was blessed with nine grandchildren, Colby, Nicholas, Lisa, Denise, Louis, Matthew, Michael, Jared and Eric and one great granddaughter Isabella.She was the sister of the late Betty Finnegan Phillips, Joseph Finnegan and Owen Finnegan.Her funeral will be held on Friday, July 3, at 9:00 am from the Connors Funeral Home, 55 West Main Road, Portsmouth, with a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 am in St. Barnabas Church, 1697 East Main Road, Portsmouth. Burial will be in Newport Memorial Park in Middletown.Calling hours will be held on Thursday, July 2, 2009, from 5:00-9:00pm in the Connors Funeral Home. Memorial donations may be made to St. Barnabas Church, 1697 East Main Road, Portsmouth, RI 02871.
Tributes
"Eulogy for Mom. On behalf of my family I’d like to thank all of you for coming to celebrate my mother’s life. We truly appreciate the incredible support so many of you have shown us and consider it a fitting tribute to our Mom who was the ultimate giver. When I say my Mom was the ultimate giver I don’t necessarily mean in a monetary sense although she was known to slip a twenty or two in all of our pockets. Refusing was not an option. My brothers and I knew from an early age the importance of giving since we often accompanied my mom when she made charitable contributions to various organizations and individuals in need. Mom was always happiest when she could bring a smile to other people’s faces. This was something she did almost effortlessly. Trying to summarize my mother’s life in just a few minutes would be impossible so instead I will try to share some memories of Mom that my Dad and brothers and I hold dear. Raising 7 children was not an easy task but Mom embraced this with a passion. She loved all of us so much that most of the time she didn’t realize the sacrifices she made by putting all of our needs before her own. Children rarely know this as they are growing up. But as adults we quickly become aware and somehow our love and appreciation starts to deepen. How many kids today wake up to the smell of fresh baked bread and can’t wait to get home from school to taste the latest homemade raisin squares or a famous German Chocolate Torte. This was one of Mom’s many gifts to us. And, even as we try to duplicate these recipes there always seems to be something missing. Now I’m not saying Mom tried to trick us by leaving out any ingredients on those recipe cards she gave us. I just think she took baking to a level not easily achieved although my brother Stephen continues to try. I’ll always remember the time the mailman showed up with the mail just before Christmas and Mom panicked realizing she had forgotten to get him a gift. Never missing a beat, Mom grabbed the gift boxed bottle of Chivas Regal that my Dad had just received. Mom gave new meaning to the word re-gifting. Of course, when Dad came home that night he didn’t share the same sentiments. Despite the chaos & confusion that is normal in any large family, Mom was happiest when we were all together. When most people were looking forward to downsizing as the years progressed, my parents were completely the opposite. They always wanted to have enough room to enjoy our frequent visits and many celebrations. Even as Mom struggled these past couple years she continued to show her devotion to her family and friends. She made the effort for us even if it caused her pain. In fact, just last week we celebrated her 84th birthday at home with family and friends and to our amazement she laughed and smiled and carried on with us as though time were unbounded. A famous writer once said, “The greatest gift a parent could bestow upon a child is for their eyes to light up when the child walks into the room.” Whether at Home or Grand Islander Mom never failed to lite up when any of her children or grandchildren walked into her room. In closing, our mother was the most amazing, selfless & beautiful woman that anyone could ever meet. In the heart of every mother is a light that burns brightly with hopes & dreams for her children. Mom’s light burned brightly for each and everyone of us. In your place among the angels we know that you will always watch over us. Mom, we love you with all our hearts & will truly miss you."
"With apologies to Frank Capra, "Remember, no Woman is ever a failure who has friends" Mrs. Raposa was every bit the success with family and friends alike. I remember when our sister Mary first married Bob, we would go up to the Raposa's home over by Fort Barton for Sunday dinner and the welcome mat was more than laid out. Mrs. Raposa had a gentle soul, a great sense of humor, and all of those kids just like us - they were all older than me but they treated me like one of their own - I'm sure following her lead. A great Mother of a terrific family, we have lost a beautiful person, but heaven shines a little brighter today. With love, Pete, Terri, Ryan and Kate"
"Dear Peter, Colleen, and family. Diana and I are so sorry for your loss. I know that she is now in Heaven with family, friends and all the saints to watch over our poor souls on earth. Prayers and grace to you. Love Diana and Joe"
"My prayers and thoughts are with you at this sad time. Marge was a wonderful lady. Ann"
"To the Reposa Family I'm very sorry for the lost of your wife, and mother. Mrs. Reposa was a kind lady. May the Gods be blest with her presents. To Peter, Thank You."
"Dear Liz and family, Your Mom was like a second Mom to me. I will treasure the memories that we shared. My thoughts and prayers are with you all."
"To Nancy and Family, I didn't know your mother but I do know of her. Just want to wish you and your family my thoughts and prayers."
"Dear Mr. Raposa and Family, 27 years age I purchased the Finnigan home on Reading Street, Fall River. It was a very difficult time for me and my four sons. When Marge realized we needed help, she encouraged me and guided me with such kindness. She did all this for a complete stranger. I'll never forget her. With Deepest Sympathy, Louise DeFarias"
"We'll miss you, Marge!"
"I have known and loved Marge Raposa for a very long time. Never once in that whole time did she have an unkind word to say about anyone. I remember when she used to come to Edie O'Tooles and Helena Killorans house next door for a yearly party of retired women from the Telephone Company. They would all arrive in their best finery, some in their furs, hats and jewelery, and as my mom would say, " In their best Bib and Tucker." Then the party would begin and fashion was forgotton. They had such a great time eating, drinking cocktails and laughing, that's all you could hear was the laughter! When the party was over and they were leaving, the hats were off and the furs were draped over their arms. They were still laughing and talking maybe a little bit louder, but always saying what a great time they had and couldn't wait until next year! I will miss Marge and her wonderful smile and laugh, but most of all her wonderful sense of humor and her generosity of spirit, and her strong sense of family. Our sympathies thoughts and prayers are extended to Joe, Nancy and the rest of her family. Marge will be sorely missed. Love Pat, Hank and family"
"Marge knew the greatest secret that human belief has to impart, which is “The salvation of man is through love and in love.” Marge knew that family and love was the most enduring thing and modeled for us what it is to really deeply love. Marge welcomed me and all of her daughter in laws into the Raposa family with a deep level of warmth and love. Marge extended her love to our families of origin as well. Marge was a role model that taught us to be inclusive and to be open to receive and give love. Marge always had a lovely meal prepared, a big smile and good conversation when Stephen and I would arrive for a visit. She also waited for our call to ensure we had arrived back home safely. She asked us always if we had our travel scapular with us and told us to take care of each other. Love goes far beyond the physical person of the beloved. We will find our deepest meaning remembering Marge’s spirit and the love she gave."
"Dear Mr. Raposa, Peter and Family, We are sorry to hear of Mrs. Raposa's passing. She was such a kind and caring lady to everyone. The true meaning of what Is A Mother and Wife. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Warmly, Ray & Deb Dutra"
"Dear Mr. Raposa and family, We will miss Mrs. Raposa and will cherish all the wonderful memories we have of her over the years. From the first time I met her she welcomed me into her life and her home. She was such a kind and generous person who everyone loved. Her chocolate chip cookies were the best! Love to all."
"The loss of such a lovely person and friend causes us all great sadness. Marge is now in a better place, and the Angels are welcoming her home. Our prayers go out to all the family members."
"Mrs. Raposa was a great lady that we will all miss. I will never forget the tour of Lisbon we did together with the family. Wonderful memories. She was a kind and loving person."