Winifred Mary Gonsalves

Winnie was born on January 16, 1911, died June 12, 2012, the last survivor of the nine children of Manoel Jose deFreitas and Augusta Theresa de Freitas, nee Pestano. She and her sister, Marie, were traveling to the UK with their father when he died suddenly. She became an orphan at 11. His business associate arranged for her and her sister to board with a Catholic family in Bournemouth in order to attend the Assumption Convent School in Ramsgate. After completing her schooling, she returned to British Guiana "BG" (now Guyana) where her about-to-be future brother-in-law, Bernard, said she was the "best looking Portuguese girl in the Colony". She was courted by Clement Ignatius Gonsalves and was subsequently married in the Church of Our Lady of Victories, Kensington, London, April 7, 1932. This church was bombed in WWII and subsequently rebuilt. Winnie and Clem had three girls – Anne (married David Wise), Rosalind (married George Frena) and Madeleine (married James Galvin) who have two lovely children, Timothy and Jennifer (married Michael Barkett). Winnie joins her beloved husband, Clem, who died 50 years ago, and daughter Rosalind, who died 2005. They will warmly welcome her in heaven. As her nephew, Brian Gonsalves wrote we shall miss her cheerful sense of humour and her indomitable spirit, as she was the last - and the best - of the very special BG matriarchs. Auntie Winnie will be remembered for her strength of purpose, her dedication to helping others and, above all, for her loyal support not only to her own family but also for her large and extended band of relations. Michelyne and I are especially grateful to her for looking after us so well during our visits to New York in the past. Michelyne still insists that 'Auntie Winnie was the most dedicated, demanding, eagle-eyed, tireless and committed shopper - and the best returner of goods - in the World'! As the saying goes : "we shall not see her like again" and she leaves us feeling sorrowful yet thankful and privileged to have known her in good as well as difficult times throughout our lives. ….and you can be sure that the Good Lord will take her up tenderly to her eternal rest. In lieu of flowers, a mass in Winnie's memory may be said in your local church, or a donation to Hospice of Palm Beach County Foundation 5300 East Avenue West Palm Beach, FL 33407 https://www.hpbcf.org/make-a-gift/ Acknowledgements may be sent to: Madeleine Galvin 7728 Martin Allen Ct. Alexandria, VA 22315-6060 Anne Gonsalves & David Wise 170 Saratoga Blvd. East Royal Palm Beach, FL 33411-8279