Laurinda Velosa

Laurinda (DeGouveia) Velosa, 87, passed away Wednesday, December 31, 2025 surrounded by her loving family, after a period of declining health. She was the wife of the late Manuel Velosa. She was born in Madeira Island, Santa Cruz (Portugal) the daughter of the late Antonio DeGouveia and the late Miquelina (Fernandes) DeGouveia and immigrated to the United States in 1974 with her husband and young children. She had a great love for this country.

Laurinda was a very hard working, loving and spiritual mother. She was a dedicated employee at John I. Paulding for years and retired from Calvin Clothing. She raised seven children with so much love and kindness. Everyday there was a home cooked meal on the table for her family and she could cook like no other. She was a devoted catholic, she recited quotes from the bible to her children and prayed the Rosary consistently.

Laurinda continued to be an amazing nurturer to all of her 6 grandchildren, she loved spending time with them. Her family was the closest thing to her heart. She loved her family dinners and family gatherings, especially during the holidays. It warmed her heart to be surrounded by her loved ones. Laurinda also had a great love for nature, she loved to spend time in her garden. Her love for gardening and tending to her “quintal” has rubbed off on all of her children. Some of her favorite flowers were birds of paradise, anthuriums, roses and hydrangeas. She loved her dog Moxie. She enjoyed her daily coffee and created the most beautiful embroidery when she was still able to use her hands productively. Laurinda was a big fan of game shows and watched her favorites everyday (Family Feud and the Price is Right).

Laurinda loved to travel in her younger days, visiting family in Brazil, Florida and Portugal. She found great joy in helping other people less fortunate in her travels. Her deep commitment to helping others, especially those less fortunate was one of her strongest attributes. She gave freely of her time, resources, and heart, always seeking ways to make life a little easier for those in need. Her kindness, and compassion for others will be remembered as defining qualities of a life well lived.

Laurinda was diagnosed with Congestive Heart Failure and was cared for by her loving daughters during her illness and was surrounded by all who loved her right until her last moments.

She is survived by her son Manuel Martin Velosa and his wife Stacey, of New Bedford, and four daughters: Irene Gouveia and her husband Nelio of New Bedford; Carminda Dias and her husband Josue of New Bedford; Helia Camarao and her husband John of Dartmouth; and Deborah Alves and her husband John of Fort Pierce, Florida. Six grandchildren: Jamie Dias, Corey Alves, Kirsten Svenson (Robert), Christian and Meghan Camarao, and McKayla Gouveia, and many nieces and nephews. She is predeceased by her 2 sons John and Joe Velosa who tragically died in a car accident in 1981.

Her visitation will be at the Boulevard Funeral Home on Wednesday, January 7th from 8-9:30am with a Funeral Mass to follow at Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception at 10am. Burial will follow in St. John's Cemetery.