Cremilde Maria (Furtado)Ventura, passed away peacefully on Monday, January 13, 2025, at HopeHealth Hulitar Hospice Center in Providence, surrounded by her loving family. Born on October 1, 1933, in Sao Miguel, Azores, she was a beacon of courage and love throughout her 91 years of life. Cremilde was the cherished wife of Manuel J. Ventura, with whom she shared nearly 65 blissful years of marriage. She was a devoted daughter to the late Jacinto and Adelina (Duarte) Furtado.
Cremilde's legacy is lovingly carried on by her beloved children: Belmira Duerr of Long Island, NY; Armando Ventura and his wife Lena, of Old Orchard Beach, ME; Susana Maria Gomes and her husband Gabe of Rumford, RI; Judith Ventura of Riverside, RI; David Ventura of McLoud, OK; and Kim Ventura and her fiancé David Moulico of North Smithfield, RI. She was the proud grandmother to Jonathan and Nicholas Duerr, Christopher Ventura, Grace, Adam, and Rachel Gomes, Vincent and Alex Enright, Joshua Badger and Nathan Ventura. She was the adored great-grandmother to Natalie and Maria Ventura.
Cremilde was the dear sister of Grinoalda Medeiros, Fernanda Morais, and Joseph Furtado. She was preceded in death by her brothers Eduardo and Armando Furtado. Her extended family of many nieces and nephews also survive her, each of whom held a special place in her heart.
Educated in Portugal, Cremilde was a woman of incredible resilience and determination. At the young age of 24, she embarked on a courageous journey from the Azores to the United States, arriving with no command of the English language. Through her tenacity and hard work, she established a new life, setting a foundation for the family she would later bring over from the Azores. She was employed at American Insulated Wire for over a decade before making the selfless decision to retire and dedicate herself to raising her family.
A parishioner of Our Lady of the Rosary Church in Providence, Cremilde's faith was a cornerstone of her life. Her spiritual commitment was evident in her kindness and the loving home she created for her family in Rumford, where she lived for over 57 years.
Cremilde's interests were as diverse as they were passionate. An avid reader, she cherished the escapism and joy found within the pages of romance novels. Her love for music was profound; she seized every opportunity to dance and immerse herself in its rhythms. A natural nurturer, Cremilde found solace in tending to her vibrant gardens and potted plants, filling her home and yard with beauty and life.
Courageous, loving, and selfless—these words best encapsulate the essence of Cremilde Maria Ventura. Her unwavering love and the sacrifices she made for her family are the hallmarks of her extraordinary life. Her story is one of a brave woman who crossed oceans to build a better future for those she loved, and in doing so, she inspired everyone who knew her.
Her life's work was her family, and she succeeded in creating a warm and welcoming home that was the heart of many cherished memories.
As we bid farewell to Cremilde, we celebrate a life lived with purpose and joy, a life that touched many and will continue to inspire future generations. Her memory will be treasured forever as a guiding light of love and strength.
Her funeral will be held on Saturday, January 18, 2025 at 8:30am from the REBELLO FUNERAL HOME, 901 Broadway, East Providence, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00am in Our Lady of the Rosary Church, 21 Traverse Street, Providence. Burial will follow in Gate of Heaven Cemetery, 550 Wampanoag Trail, East Providence.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend. Calling hours are Friday January 17, 2025 from 4:00pm-7:00pm in the funeral home. Donations in her memory may be made to HopeHealth Hulitar Hospice Center, 1085 North Main Street, Providence, RI, 02904.
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