WESTPORT – Normanda P. Camara, 78 of Westport, passed into eternal peace Sunday, November 3, 2019 after a long illness. Born in Furnas, São Miguel, Açores, she immigrated with her family to the United States at a very young age. She was the wife of the late Manuel V. Camara and daughter to the late Antonio C. and Rosalia Pereira. Normanda is survived by her 3 children. Her daughter Celeste Franca (husband Manuel) of Fall River, her sons Peter Camara (wife Michelle) of Fall River and Christopher Camara of Westport. She was also the mother of the late Normanda Santos (husband Fernando Santos). In addition, she has 5 grandchildren, Jonathan (wife Tania) and Joshua Franca, Jacob Santos, Rylee and Mea Camara all of Fall River, and 2 great grandchildren Ayliyanah & Sophia.
She was also the sister of the late Laura Ferreira (husband Manuel), Ormenzinda Cidade (husband Eduardo), Edward Pereira (wife Virginia), and Francisco Pereira (surviving wife Mary) and also many Nieces and Nephews.
Normanda was a member of the Our Lady of Grace church in Westport and was an avid supporter and member of the Santo Christo church in Fall River for many years. She was a member of the Santo Christo Holy Ghost Society and pioneer of the Santo Christo church famous cookbook. She was a founding member of the Sociedade Cultural Açoreana, SCA, a member and supporter of the Saint Cecilia band, the former Açoreana Band, and the Our Lady of the Light Band all of Fall River. In addition, she was very devoted to the Holy Ghost and was a founding member of many local Holy Ghost brotherhood committees.
Normanda worked for many years in the local Garment industry, Semester & Semester Jr among others and was a member of the local Ladies & Garment union. Later in life she filled her dream of working in the food industry and becoming a breakfast cook at JJ’s Hot Dogs and then assisted her daughter Norma and Son in law Fernando when they purchased the TA restaurant as a cook introducing many of her unique recipes and the old-style Azorean cooking. Most of all Normanda loved cooking for her family and friends and loved entertaining as many people as she could in her home.
Normanda’s funeral will take place from the Manuel Rogers & Sons Funeral Home, Inc. 1521 N. Main St. on Thursday, Nov. 7th here at 7:30 A.M. followed by a Mass of Christian Burial in Santo Christo Church at 9:00 A.M. Interment in St. Patrick’s Cemetery, Fall River. Calling hours on Wednesday, Nov. 6th from 4:00-8:00 P.M.