Ilda A. Sousa

Ilda Almeida Sousa, age 83, passed away peacefully on December 18, 2024, at home surrounded by her loving family. Born in Calvão, Portugal on November 2, 1941, she was the eldest daughter of Maximiano and Elza Moura. Ilda dedicated her life to serving others, first as a special education paraprofessional in the Bridgeport Public School system, and later as a devoted caregiver to her sick friends and family. Her generosity was tremendous, and she always went out of her way to help those in need. Ilda was predeceased by her beloved husband, Mario F. Sousa. She is survived by her only child, Ana Paula Sousa-Martins, her spouse Steve O’Connell, and her adored grandchildren Jillian and Hannah Martins. They will forever cherish her memory and strive to live by the values she instilled in them. Additionally, she leaves behind her 4 siblings and their spouses: Berta Marsillio, Luis Moura (Lina), Fernando Moura (Mary), Max Moura (Maria), and her nieces and nephews whom she loved as her own: Annette, Luis, Denise, Fernando, Katie, Mathew (godchild), Maxine and Mark. As well as her great-nieces and nephews. She also leaves behind her many cousins. She had special godchildren that she doted on: Carla Moreira, Rui Rainho, Jennifer Duque, and Michael Duque. She loved Mario’s side of the family who have always been supportive and loving: the Rainho Family, Lage Family, and DeCarvalho Family. She also shared a special bond with Jimmy Martins, who was always close to her heart. A special thank you to her special friends who called her weekly to check on her: Alice Alves Gomes, Fernanda Afonso and Palmira Goncalves. Ilda will be deeply missed by all who knew her. She was more than just a loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend; her legacy of love, kindness, and faith will continue to inspire us all.  Relatives and friends may greet the family on Monday, December 23,2024 from 8:30 to 10:00 AM at the Galello-Luchansky Funeral Home, 2220 Main St., Stratford, CT.  A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 10:30 AM at Our Lady of Fatima Church, 429 Huntington Rd., Bridgeport, CT. Entombment will be held private. The family would like to thank Vitas Healthcare, hospice nurse Lorenzo, and Dr. Stelman for their personalized care, attention, and support. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Cesar A. Batalla Field Trips to honor Ilda’s lifelong commitment to working with the children of Bridgeport.

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