Maria Luisa Lopes Borges
February 19, 1927 ~ October 29, 2020
Born in:
Santiago, Cape Verde Islands
Resided in:
Hamden, CT
Maria Luisa (“Mima”) Lopes Borges passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on October 29, 2020. She was born on February 19, 1927 on the island of Santiago, Cape Verde Islands. Her parents were Arcenio Lopes and Henriqueta Lopes Varela. She was predeceased by her husband, Manuel Lopes Borges and her brothers, Jose Lopes and Manuel Lopes. She immigrated to the United States in August of 1958 with their oldest son, Francisco, and settled in New Haven, CT with her husband. As a naturalized United States citizen she was very proud of her Cape Verdean heritage and United States citizenship. She and her husband raised their five children with a strong example of faith, family, disciplined work ethic, generosity and compassion for others. The family was significantly challenged by the tragic passing of her husband Manuel, in 1971, leaving her to raise a young family. Guided by her deep and unwavering faith, and at great personal sacrifice Maria ensured that all of her children completed their formal education. She continued her example of encouragement and determination, by always reminding her grandchildren to study with earnest (“stude ku empenhu”) and persistently emphasized that the family must remember to care for one another and remain close.
A devout and practicing Catholic, she was a parishioner of Saint Rita Church, Hamden, CT for over 45 years. She had a devoted prayer life and attended weekly mass. She also volunteered at Columbus House in New Haven preparing and distributing food to individuals and families in need of a hot meal. She embodied what it meant to be a true follower of Jesus Christ, a legacy that she left to her entire family.
Maria remained in regular contact with her large and extended family around the globe in Cape Verde, Angola, France, Switzerland, Portugal and Holland. She also enjoyed travelling to England, Italy, France, Switzerland, Canada, Spain and the Caribbean. In every instance, she connected with and reconnected family members who were amazed by the legacy and long-established relationships that she was able to recount. The needs of those who remained in her homeland were always on her mind. Despite her limited means, over the course of months she gathered and purchased items to ship back. She uniquely understood the necessity of helping other immigrants establish themselves in the United States and assisted in any way she could including securing employment and housing. As a testament of her wisdom and graciousness, she was a trusted advisor to countless family members and friends here and abroad.
She will forever be loved, honored and cherished especially by her children: Francisco (Luisa) Lopes Borges, Peter (Vera) Lopes Borges, Francesca (Lance) Borges Gordon, Maria Avelina (Jose, recently deceased) Borges Correia, Joaquina (Keith) Borges King; 14 grandchildren, 7 great-grandchildren; a host of nieces and nephews; and, her “sister” Benvinda Pereira in Cape Verde who she helped raise. In addition, extended family in Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Cape Verde, Europe and Angola, as well as numerous friends, also cherish their memories of her.
Due to current COVID-19 circumstances, the service and burial are private. At a later time, the family will host a befitting memorial in her honor. Arrangements are in care of BEECHER & BENNETT FUNERAL HOME, 2300 Whitney Ave., Hamden.
Mrs Maria LUISA Lopes Borges ( my mom), was one of the greatest and nicest persons I ever met. There is not enough words to describe her. To me, she will always be my heroine because that’s what she was.
Mom, you were also my Mother and you will forever stay in my heart. Please say hello to my Parents. You will also love them.
Forever yours,
Maria Silva Klanko
To Frank and family, you have my deepest condolences on the loss of your dearest mother. May the peace of the Lord be with you and your family.
Our wishes for healing, solace and the tranquility that comes from happy memories.
I know Maria only through her children, but it tells me everything I need to know about her, as the apple never falls far from the tree. Her character, dedication and generosity carry on through her wonderful extended family.
My deepest condolences to the entire Borges family. She was a testament to strength, courage and wisdom. May God bless you all and give you strength during this time.
Frank and family: Wishing you peace and comfort during this difficult time. May these words of condolence find you surrounded by love and compassion.
Dear Borges and Extended Family Members,
Peace, love and prayers of comfort to each of you. ‘God is good” and so was she: your mom, grandmother, greatgrandmother, aunt and family matriarch.
Fondly in Remembrance,
Gail Crockett, Jordan Pilgrim and Family and Leigh Pilgrim
Jackie, Caleb and Victoria,
Please accept my deepest sympathy on the loss of your precious mom/grandmother.
Sounds like I really missed out by not having a chance to get to know her.
I love you and am so very sorry for your loss.
A big hug from the Lopes family in Portugal.
Auntie Meama was my Godfather’s wife, Manuel Lopes Borges a very loving, kind, and gentle man. I loved her very much, she was like a Mother to me. At a very young age she impressed upon me the “Love of God & 🙏🏼. I will miss her and may she Rest In Peace with Manuzine. ❤️🙏🏼🌹
She was an amazing woman always offering words of comfort and encouragement. May the warm memories of your Mom stays with you forever.
With Deepest Sympathy.
I would like to express my sincere condolences to all Meama’s Children, Grandchildren, and the whole Family.
Love,
Jeanie
Mima, Deus ta dau um eterno descanso eterno na bo alma. Pedi pá nos ki fica pá traz na terra.
Muita paz e amor,
Bia
Muita paz,
Natalina
Our deepest sympathy to Frank and Louisa our condolences to you and family,so sorry for your loss. Love you ,
Jorge and Cynthia Tomar
I feel privileged to have known Mima and her family and I bow down in respect to her memory. So much to learn from her sense of dignity, family and culture.She has gone Home and I pray for her Eternal Peace. You leave a void in many including myself, until we meet again my friend.
Our deepest Condolences to the Borges family. Our prayers are with you. May she rest in peace.
May god hold her in his arms.
Hector and Vernice Ramos
A familia Borges ficou mais pobre com o passamento da Mima… A toda familia a minha e nossas sentidas condolências pelo passamento da Mima. Que Deus a tenha em paz!
Um forte abraço de conforto da familia em Cabo Verde para toda familia familia em USA em particular: Frank, tchica, Pedro, Aveline e Joaquina… e de mais familiares…
Que o Senhor te receba com os anjos, pois foste e seras um exemplo para nós em particular ( Angola) poucos tivemos um contacto físico consigo querida avó, mas dos que tiveram e das mensagens que sempre vieram da sua parte ficou bem patente o conselho de união, amor ao próximo, vamos continuar com este legado seu.
Pois combatentes um bom combate e venceste.
Vai em paz avó Mima.
Foi um prazer conhecê-la Avó, pelas fotos que recebíamos aqui em Angola. Para nós, significavam muito em saber que estavas bem. Não conseguimos conhecê-la pessoalmente agora, por acreditar que a morte não é o fim de tudo, porque em breve teremos à ressurreição que Jeová fará, e aí, teremos o prazer de conhecê-la junto de todos aqueles que fizeram parte desta família que também não estão aqui hoje. Até Já minha Avó Mima Linda. Te amamos muito ( filha de Cipriano Lopes Tavares )😍😚
cu nha tio de angola interno discanço en paz tia mima
I wish I could be there to comfort you as you grieve. I’m holding you in my heart.
Please accept our deepest condolences for your loss.
Jaqui–my heart breaks for you and your family following your Mom’s passing. She will live forever in your hearts and her memory will guide you through the rest of your lives …my deepest condolences to your entire family. Rest easy, Maria.
Paz à sua alma.Conforto aos familiares.
Frank and family please accept my deepest sympathy on your moms passing.I hope that the memories you cherish will help you through this difficult time.May she Rest In Peace in the hands of the Lord!
Frank & family
I will keep you in my prayers
Much love gramm Mima and thank Borges family for integrating me into your family.
My thoughts and prayers with you all. I knew her through Whitneyville Civic Association activities years ago and from praying with her at St. Rita’s. She was such an inspiration. As I write this on November 1st, I can’t help but think of her as yet another Saint added to all the Saints. May she rest in peace, and may her generous spirit live on in each of you. Peace…
Frank,Francesca and family please except my sincerest Sympathy. My mom was 93 also and although death is inevitable it is still a sad passing that I share with you.
To the Borges Family,
Our deepest condolences on the passing of your beloved Mother. Her strength, deep faith and love of family was evident from the first time we met her. May she Rest In Peace knowing the incredible legacy of family she has left behind. We love you and, as always, have you in our thoughts and prayers. May God bless and comfort you during this difficult time.
Descance em paz avô Mima! Silvio Almada e família desde Angola
Our deepest condolences to the family and friends.
Jeffrey Stewart and the Stewart family
Please accept our deepest sympathies for your loss.
I’m so sorry to hear this. My deepest condolences in this difficult time.
Frank, Francesca and family, please accept our deepest condolences on the passing of a your mother.
Unceasing prayer and praise to Mima and all who grieve the transition of this remarkable soul. To my Borges family, may the care and comfort of one another and the avalanche of love and condolences guide you through this precious time. I fondly smile at my private time when she would teasingly test my language skills all the while knowing that the language of the heart and family was the power of our communion. Travel well, dear souljah! Well done! Rest In Peace.
My deepest condolences on the passing of your mother. May she Rest In Peace. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this difficult time.
Sending prayers and love to Frank, Peter, Chica, Jackie, Aveline and all of Mima’s grand and great grandchildren and the rest of her family. What an absolutely beautiful legacy. Mima will be missed and her memory cherished! ❤️
God rest her soul
Love and peace to the family
What a great loss for all of us. Aunt Mima was a woman of good character. She commanded a great deal of respect and was a great example to many. I feel privileged to have known her. In 1999 I met her for the first time in America. The moments I spent with her will remain in my heart forever. I have learned a lot from her about life and about raising children and I am passing that on to my own children. Aunt Mima thank you for all the nice words and support that I received from you during the best and most challenging times in my life. You will always stay in my heart. Rest in peace. Love you. Sincerely, Goreth Varela
someday. She will be missed by many. Love you Bro
To Frank and Luisa and the whole family sending my deepest condolences to you and your family. May your mother be resting peacefully with the angels.
We are so sorry to hear of your loss as Maria was loved and appreciated so much by us for the good natured person that she was. Her generous soul toward others was a testament of her life and will certainly be missed.
God has blessed your family.
Our love and prayers.
Victor, Janice Gómez & Family
I am saddened to learn of the passing of your beloved mother. Please accept my heartfelt condolences. I pray that God will grant you strength, peace and continued blessings.
My sincerest condolences to the whole family for the passing of your beloved mother. She was an amazing woman who has touched many lives. I will never forget how nice and kind she was towards me and my whole family. Spending my first Christmas in America in her house is one of my fondest memories that I’ll always cherish. Rest In Peace Mima, you will be forever in our hearts.
Frank and family,
My sincere condolences are sent to you and your family at this time of sorrow. May your wonderful memories hold your Mother in your heart forever and sustain you in your grief.
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your loved ones.
Edith Karsky
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Jim & Marianne Crowley
Frank and Francesca We are so sorry for your loss. We hope you find strength and peace in your faith and your many fond memories. With our deepest sympathy.
Wes & Rosemarie
John & Susan
To the Borges family. Mima Blessed you during her lifetime and we are certain she will continue to Bless you in her prayers forever.
God bless you and keep you and continue to shine His face upon you all.
Peter and family, we were so sorry to hear of your Mother’s passing. We have so many fond memories of family gatherings, her kindness, sense of humor and of course her wonderful cooking. She was always so gracious and welcoming, making us feel like family. We pray that God will give you all strength, comfort and peace in knowing she’s resting in the arms of the Lord. We love you.
So sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire Borges Family.
There are no words to express the sorrow we feel for the entire Borges family during this most difficult time. Our hearts are saddened by your loss, and the loss to all of us that were blessed with the pleasure of meeting and or knowing Mrs. Borges. We pray that you and the family find comfort in all the wonderful memories you shared with your mom, grandmother, and great-grandmother. We will continue to lift you up in prayer, while knowing that the Borges family and heaven just got a beautiful angel!
Love Always,
Your MacFarlane Family
Victor, Thad, Carla, Ann-Marie, Paul, Lil Vic, and Kyle
Frank, we send our deepest condolences to you and the family on the passing of your Beautiful Mom. May her loving spirit guide you all through such time of her transition “ from her earthly life to her external and heavenly life.”
U have my condolences 🙏 n prayers at this time,To b absent from the body is to present with the lord.
I send my heartfelt condolences on the passing if your dear Mother. May you and your family find comfort with your your love and cherished memories. May your Mom Rest In Heavenly Peace.
Dear Frank, Francesca and Family,
I extend my heartfelt sympathy on the recent passing of your mother. The love and care that Mrs. Borges had for her family and community is so evident in the lives that you all lead. I and my family are blessed to have been able to spend even a small amount of time with your mother and share in her wisdom and laughter. You are all in my prayers during this time of bereavement. Linda, Preston and Rebecca
Also On behalf of the Morris (Moriera Family)
May God Bless you!
Dear Cousins,
Sending you an abundance of love and prayers. Your mom has been a blessing to our wider family and we are thankful for her love and memories. My deepest condolences.
Love Heather Cabral
My family and I extend our condolence / prayers to the entire Borges family members and love ones. We praise this spiritual Matriarch whose loving , caring and well meaning family members are her legacy. May the Lord’s Perpetual Light Shine on Maria Luisa Borges and Blessing to the entire family.
Que Deus lhe recebe na sua glória.
Descançe em paz tia Mima.
Sou filho do Bernardino Monteiro Varela, conhecido por Beny Varela.
Vivo em Rotterdam Holland.
Dear Maria, our deepest condolences to you and your family. We are keeping your beautiful mom Maria Luisa in our prayers, as well as you and your family.
Anna and Chris Podkowiak
Dear Frank,
Frank & I are so sorry to learn of your Mom’s passing.
We have fond memories of the times spent in your mother’s company.
Sending our love to you.
Mary Ann & Frank Citino
Dear Frank, Francesca, and the entire Lopes-Borges Family, my sincere and heartfelt condolences on the passing of this strong and wise matriarch. May you find comfort in memories of good times with this extraordinary guiding light, and may she Rest In Peace and rise in glory.
Jessica Alice and José Maria
Frank and family please accept our deepest sympathy on your Moms’ passing. We pray the memories you have will will make you smile during this difficult time. May she Rest In Paradise for a life well lived.
Aaron and Lisa West
West Hills, CA
Mama Mima na nos coracoa pa sempre. Abracos de Beto/Joanina
Dear Frank and family,
Sending my thoughts and prayers to each of you…hoping that you can find peace and comfort knowing that your Mom, a woman of incredible faith, is celebrating in Heaven this day!
Many gentle hugs to you and yours,
Meg
I was sad to read of your mother’s passing. All the years of sharing pew space and smiles at St Rita Church I never knew her name. But, I always looked forward to those Sunday exchanges. Your mom was a very proud woman with a beautiful family and a strong presence. I will miss her.
Patricia Williams
Hartford, CT
Paula Gomes McCall
Atlanta, GA
Sending love & condolences as we lift the Borges family and friends in prayer. Thanking God for the gift of Mrs. Maria Borges.
Deus descanse a sua alma em paz.
Muita força e coragem neste momento de tristeza.
Um forte abraço solidário e de conforto por esta tamanha perda a todos os familiares.
Maria José e Wouter de Kruijff, Rotterdam, Nederland
We offer our most sincere sisterly love, thoughts and prayers in the loss of your grandmother. May your best and favorite memories of your beloved grandmother bring you comfort and peace. Sisterly, New England Chapter of the National Alumnae Association of Spelman College
My prayer is that God’s peace and comfort sustain you. May all of your very best and favorite memories of your cherished mom be with you always.
My deepest condolences on the passing of your mother. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
On behalf of the Mary S. C. Dortche Family of Hartford, Ct, We are so sorry to hear of your Mom’s passing. Our condolences to all of the Borges Family. Remembering the good old days when our Capeverdean life was so grand. The Portuguese club on Wallace st., the boat rides and the picnics ect ect. May Maria Rest In Peace until one day when we all shall meet again. With love ❤️ The Dortches…
Lieve familie,
Wat een groot verlies voor ons allemaal. Tante Mima was een vrouw met karakter en een groot voorbeeld voor velen. Ik ben blij dat ik haar heb leren kennen. In 1999 heb haar voor het eerst in Amerika ontmoet en leren kennen. De momenten die ik met haar heb doorgebracht blijven voor altijd in mijn hart. Ik heb heel veel van haar geleerd over het leven en over de opvoeding. En dat probeer ik nu aan mijn kinderen over te dragen. Tante Mima bedankt voor alle mooie woorden en ontvangen steun tijdens de moeilijkste tijd in mijn leven. Je blijft voor altijd in mijn hart. Rust in vrede. Love you! Goreth Varela
Charles, Shelley and Maxine Gardner
Francesca, I am sorry you lost your beautiful mother who was so important and special in your life. I’ll be praying for you, Frank, and the rest of your family. There’s a special place in all of our hearts for our mothers, just like there’s a special place in every mother’s heart for her children. I know you will continue to carry her memory in that special place in your heart.
Love and warmest wishes,
Carol Yvette Thorney
otimo artigo 940905669
My sincerest condolences to the Borges and Correira family. Mima was such a strong independent woman whom raised a wonderful family. When I went to Cabo Verde and lived there for three years, and met women who were the strongest and really were an inspiration to me. Mima reminded me of those women. RIP Mima. Love Mario and Suzanna Maria Varela
Thank you Suzanne and Mario for the message .