Joana (Fontes) DePina passed from this life on February 14, 2014 after a sudden decline in health. She was surrounded and supported by her loving family during the last days of her life. Joana was born in Cova Fiqueira Fogo, Cabo Verde, but has been a Brocktonian since 1985.
Joana left Cabo Verde in her early 20’s to relocate to Portugal where her mother and siblings resided. At the age of 25 she moved to Boston to live and marry her husband Carlos DePina.
Joana was an exceptional wife, mother, daughter, sister, and a friend to all. She was dedicated and devoted to her marriage and loved her husband. She was a mother, who exemplified God’s divine love in her radical acceptance, love, warmth, kindness, compassion and wisdom. She was the strength to her mother. She was the anchor, protector and love to her sisters and a shining light that spread kindness and unconditional love to all the lives she touched. She is loved by many because of her loving and accepting nature that allowed her to see the best in others. May the light of God surround you now and forever.
Joana is survived by her spouse Carlos DePina and three children, daughter Rosilda James; sons Carlos DePina Jr, and Victor DePina, daughter-in-law Virginia DePina; two grandchildren, Alexa James and Ethan James. Joana is also survived by her mother Maria Fontes, her four sisters Zulmira Montrond, Luisa Ferreira, Ana Pinto and Eungenia Fontes. She also left nieces, nephews, uncles, aunts, cousins, co-workers and friends all in deep sadness.
Visiting hours will be held in the Conley Funeral Home 138 Belmont Street (rte 123) Brockton on Wednesday 4-8 pm. The funeral procession will gather at the funeral home on Thursday at 9:30 am for a Funeral Mass in St. Edith Stein Church, 631 North Main St., Brockton at 10:30 am. Burial in Calvary Cemetery.