Antonia Maria “Tanya” Santos Roderick Bargasse transitioned peacefully on August 18, 2019 at 9 a.m. in New Bedford. She is the mother of Charlene A. Roderick of Chicago IL. Daughter of the late John Anthony Santos who was born in Sao Vicente & Maria Antonia Encarnacao Santos Cruz who was born in Sao Nicolau. Tanya graduated from Vocational Junior High School, June 1942 and took pride in completing her G.E.D. at New Bedford High School, 1970. Tanya attended Plus-Kinyon Business School on Saturday’s; she received a certificate of completion, January 1973. One of Tanya’s favorite subjects in school was Mathematics.
She was a lifelong resident of New Bedford and she maintained a strong love for Cape Verde and the New Bedford Cape Verdean community. She was also known as “Grandma Tanya” due to her work as a foster grand parent at the Gomes School where she was loved by and acknowledged by many of the community’s children who remembered her throughout the years. She was often seen providing CV memorabilia at local parades and festivals. Tanya is very proud of her Cape Verdean Heritage and Community. She worked at the YWCA, Cornell Dubilier, Aerovox Corporation, John Hancock Life Insurance Corporation, Sippican Ocean Systems Inc. Her last employment opportunity was Coastline Elderly as a Foster Grand Parent for 15+ years, she enjoyed making a difference in the lives of children and she loved being called "Grandma Tanya."
Tanya was very enterprising, ambitious and committed to creating a great life for her and her daughter Charlene. She engaged members of the Aerovox community and local Cape Verdean women to join the following exclusive retail store ‘10 week retail clothing clubs’ in New Bedford, this would enable families to shop at ‘high end’ retail stores such as Casuals, Victory’s Shop, Harve’s Shoe Box located in New Bedford on Union Street & Purchase Street. Tanya’s was your friendly Studio Girl Cosmetic Sales Representative as well. Tanya was often referred to as a go-getter, absolutely loved engaging in conversations with people, while listening for opportunities to ‘better herself’ and in the end analysis the Cape Verdeans in the New Bedford Community. She often sent drums of clothing to the Cape Verde, Islands, announcing to friends if they wanted to utilize her drum, she would be happy to include them. Tanya, also made the 'best Cachupa’, she would call friends to have them drop by and pick up their container of Cachupa on Saturdays. Tanya and her sister Nita Haynes were “ movers and shaker’s in the New Bedford Community. During the late sixties and early 70’s they created socials, dances and fashion shows for all to participate. Both women took after their mother, Maria Antonia Encarnacao, creating clubs, dances. They enjoyed contributing to the Cape Verdean young adult community and families. Everyone enjoyed getting ready to attend the Social Hour given by Nita and Tanya at the Cape Verdean Vets, the entrance fee back in the day was $2.00 in advance and $3.00 at the door. Tanya, loved Big Band at Rose-land, Jazz at the Piccadilly Lounge in New Bedford and in the summer Jazz at The Rocky Manor and of course Cape Verdean ‘Morna’, she grew up attending dances at the Cape Verdean Vets Hall and attending Cape Verdean Music at the picnics at the Sociedad Club on the corner and Walnut and Acushnet Avenue. She was a member of the Bisca Tournament Club.
She was predeceased in death by her parents, her sister, Juanita ‘Nita' Santos Haynes Lopes, her husbands, Charles “Hipty” Roderick and James F. Bargasse.
She is survived by her daughter, Charlene, her nieces Carol Haynes, Patricia, Haynes, Dawn Haynes, & Mikele Haynes and her nephews Troy Spooner, Trysten Spooner, & Juston Williams.
Tanya loved the Saint, Anthony of Padua, the Wonder-Worker, the gentlest and kindest of Saints. Tanya was very generous and kind. Therefore, it is fitting that her daughter Charlene has chosen the Religious services will be held on Thursday, September 12th at 10 AM in St. Anthony’s of Padua Church at 1359 Acushnet Avenue, New Bedford, Massachusetts 02746. Everyone is invited to attend the Memorial Service to say so long to Antonia Maria ‘Tanya’ Santos, Roderick Bargasse. The Burial will be private. Arrangements are with the Saunders-Dwyer Home for Funerals, 495 Park St., New Bedford. For online guestbook, please visit www.saundersdwyer.com.