Maria Adelina Cabral Pereira. I'll say that one more time, slowly...
MARIA ADELINA CABRAL PEREIRA
Those four names, on their own, speak a lot about a person; let’s review each of those names for a moment..
Maria, which was the common first name many female children were given if they were born in the Azores islands. If you were a girl born during this time, you were often given the first name of Maria – evidence of the area’s strong Catholic roots.
Cabral: Her maiden name, which means "place of goats”, a clue to the family heritage.
Pereira: Pereira, which means "pear tree". This was the name she took when she married her husband Norberto, 49 years ago. It's with this last name that she built a life in the United States, working and raising children, maintaining her household.
But the most familiar name to all of us is "Adelina", which means "Nobile or Nobility". She was named after her mother, a strong (and tough) woman. This is the name most knew my aunt by.
But names are just that, What made Adelina special were the roles and titles she took on in her life - Those titles included “servant, a wife, a mother, a sister. She was a kind to all, whether family member or friend - and it is because of those roles that we all remember and honor her today.
There are many fond memories we all share about Adelina. She was a vibrant and energetic person in her younger years - she always made sure you were welcome (and well fed) in her house. She shined as a great cook - especially that delicious apple cake she used to make; Birthdays were not complete without that delicious treat.
Faith was so important to my aunt - I remember how often she studied her Bible - and she demonstrated her faith in her actions – in how she treated and cared for others.
Laughter – Adelina had an incredible laugh – a cackle almost – when she was happy, everyone knew it.
Life was not easy for Adelina –along with the good times, there were hard times. She held tight to God and her family during those times, and she always made it through – until God decided it was time to take her home.
May you all be comforted knowing that Adelina is no longer suffering. There are no more tears, no more crying, no more sorrow. My aunt had trouble sleeping in her life, but in death, she has a sweet, deep sleep. May we remember and honor Adelina by following her example, as a strong helper to others, a good family member and friend, and a faithful servant of God, until the end.
Many of you have your own stories of my aunt Adelina, and I welcome you to share them individually if you would like now – and if not now, then later with family and friends.
In the words of the Portuguese, the language of my Aunt.. Thank you very much for listening.. “Muito Obrigado”