Teresa Maria DeCastro

Teresa Maria (Senra) DeCastro, affectionately known as “Baixinha Querida,” passed away peacefully on January 10, 2026, at the age of 82.

Born on March 8, 1943, in Rabo de Peixe on the island of São Miguel in the Azores, Portugal, Teresa carried her rich cultural traditions and deep Catholic faith with her throughout her life. In 1966, she emigrated to Rhode Island, a journey marked by resilience, devotion, and quiet strength—qualities that would define her character.

Teresa spent much of her working life at Bostitch before relocating to Greenacres, Florida, in 1994, where she made her lasting home. She and her family later owned and operated Dunkin’ stores in Boynton Beach. After retiring in 2003, Teresa and her husband enjoyed traveling, especially to Madeira, and shared many memorable cruises together.

She was an active member of the Portuguese-American Cultural Society, frequently volunteering for holidays and special events. A woman of deep faith, Teresa was a devoted parishioner of Holy Name Catholic Church, where she served as a Eucharistic minister. Her faith was not only practiced but lived, expressed through humility, generosity, and service to others.

Teresa found great joy in cooking, filling her home with the aromas of traditional dishes prepared lovingly for family gatherings. She also found peace in gardening, carefully tending to her beloved “orquídeas” and plants—an extension of the nurturing care she showed to those around her.

Teresa was a devoted wife to Jose J. DeCastro, with whom she shared nearly 57 years of marriage. Together, they built a loving family grounded in faith, compassion, and hard work. She was a cherished mother to Suzette and Robert DeCastro, daughter-in-law Carolyn DeCastro, and most proud Vavó to Brady and Cameron. Her family was the center of her life, and she embraced them with unconditional love and affection.

She is also lovingly remembered by her brother Tony Senra; sisters-in-law Donna Senra, Maria Jose Senra, Genoveva Rodrigues, and Piedade DeCastro; and brothers-in-law Jose Manuel DeCastro, Jose Dinis Couto, Fernando Soares, and Tiago Rodrigues. Teresa leaves behind many nieces, nephews, and godchildren, all of whom she loved deeply. She is reunited in eternal rest with her parents, Agostinho and Olga, and her siblings Jose Agostinho Senra, Zelia Soares, Maria Eduarda Couto, and Philomena Senra.