Obituary of Matilde Moura Rafael

Matilde Moura Rafael, age 94, of Bridgeport, beloved wife of the late Antonio Rafael passed away peacefully on Friday, June 15, 2018 surrounded by her caring children and grandchildren.  Born on January 6, 1924 in Antigo de Sarraquinhos, Portugal, she was the daughter of the late Manuel and Ana Moura. Matilde emigrated to the United States in 1968 with her family and has since resided in Bridgeport. She was the matriarch with a big heart whose faith and family were her strength as she raised her children and many of her grandchildren with passion. Matilde is well known for working at Ann’s Newfield Bakery for many years, was an amazing cook, and a talented seamstress making clothes for her children. Her love for crochet and knitting left behind many precious heirlooms.   She was a parishioner of Our Lady of Fatima Church and enjoyed attending prayer group.  She will be truly missed by her family and all who knew her.

Matilde is survived by her loving children and their families: Ilidio Rafael and his wife Carlota of Trumbull; Manuel Rafael of Bridgeport; Anna Prushko and her husband Gary of Shelton; Tina Rafael of Monroe; Arminda Marchio and her husband Joe of Monroe; Alzira Capela and her husband Amandio of Shelton; Maria Capela and her husband Tony of Monroe; daughter-in-law, Teresa Rafael of Bridgeport.  She leaves behind 18 cherished grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren and several nieces, nephews and godchildren.   Matilde was predeceased by her son, Flavio Rafael and toddler daughter, Arminda Rafael, as well as her brothers: Jose, Joao, Domingos, and Manuel Moura; and sisters: Carminda Moura and Delfina Teixeira.  

The family would like to thank Matilde’s home health aides and visiting nurse: Aida, Sheri and Ramona for their patience, companionship, and dedication in caring for her; as well as the staff at St. Vincent’s Hospital for their outstanding compassion, support and care.

Relatives and friends may greet the family on Sunday, June 17, 2018 from 2:00 – 5:00 p.m. at the Abriola Parkview Funeral Home, 419 White Plains Road, Trumbull. Funeral Services will be held on Monday, June 18, 2018 at 10:00 a.m. directly in Our Lady of Fatima Church, 429 Huntington Road, Bridgeport for a Mass of Christian Burial. Interment will follow at Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Trumbull.