NewsPaperGoan Welfare Society UK

Santana Anthony D’Souza

24-08-1945 – 22-04-2025

God saw you getting tired, and a cure was not to be So he put His arms around you and He whispered, ‘Come to me’. With tearful eyes we watched you, as you slowly slipped away Although we loved you dearly we could not make you stay. A golden heart stopped beating, hard working hands at rest God broke our hearts to prove to us he only takes the best.

Husband of Magdalene D’souza, Father of Jennifer, Leon, Tina, Father-in-law of Ravi, Lavina and Tony, Grand-dad of Erin, Ethan, Jeremy and Tegan

Funeral Service| Saturday, 26th April 2025 at 4:00pm St. Anthony’s Church, Vakola, Santacruz East, Mumbai 400 055

Burial | Christian Cemetery Teachers Colony F Block, Bandra Kurla Complex, Bandra East, Mumbai 400 051.

Mr. Antonio Visitacao Da Cruz Barreto 

It is with heavy hearts that we inform you of the passing of Mr. Antonio Visitacao Da Cruz Barreto (Vizy Barreto) on 10th Apr 2025. He leaves behind a legacy of love and cherished memories.

Loving husband to Mrs. Flora Barreto and beloved father to Lorena, Bravio and Nouvel and their families. Mathematics Teacher at St. Mary’s School, Nairobi from 1977 to 1999.

Ignatius Pereira

It is with great sadness that we announce the death of Ignatius Pereira on 11th March 2025 – Son of Gerson & Natalia, Husband to Edna, Father of Sharon & the late Gillian, Father-in-law to Richard,  Grandfather to Louise/Sohail, Matthew & Thomas, Great Grandfather to Mya & Zac. Brother of John & Melicia, Joe & Carmen, Mena & Armando, Millie & Louis, Irene & Ronnie. He will be missed and remembered with great affection by all including his nieces, nephews & cousins.

The funeral Mass will take place at St Thomas More Catholic Church, Long Lane, Bexleyheath, DA7 5JW on Friday 2nd May at 11.30am, followed by a burial service at 13.15 at Sidcup Cemetery, Foots Cray Lane, Bexley, Sidcup, DA14 4NS.

Edna, Sharon and the family would like you to join us for a celebration of Iggy’s life and afterwards in the parish hall for lunch (adjacent to the church).   To help with catering, we would appreciate notification of your attendance (numbers of people) & dietary needs by emailing Louise:  louiseiris@aol.com or phone and leave a message on 07891 191925.

Condolence messages please email to: pelagiaedna1@aol.com

Maria Rita Fernandes

29 December 1942 – 24 February 2025

Beloved wife to late Jacarias, loving mother to Joy/Blaise, Kevin and Sharon/late Richard. Adoring grandmother to Tanya.

Forever In Our Hearts

Daisy Gracias

8 May 1942 – 28 Feb 2025

Funeral service: Sat 15th March, 2025 | at 10.00am St Margaret Clitherow Church Flight Approach, Grahame Park Way, London NW 9 5PX.

Getting to the church:
Public transport: Nearest tube station is Colindale Station on the Northern Line. The church is a 12 min walk. Buses from Colindale Station – 204 and 303 to Cauakers Course then short walk to the church. Please note the bus stop is further along Colindale Avenue. From Hendon Central Station please take the 186 bus to Quakers Course.

Driving and Parking. If you are driving, please head to St James’ Catholic School – Great Strand, London NW9 5PE. You will be directed to the car park on the left of the school. The car park will open at 9.30am and close at 12.30pm. Cremation The family will travel to Hendon Crematorium for the Committal Service at 12pm.

MAURICE DANTAS

30 January 1938 – 24 January 2025

Though a month has passed, our love & memories of you shine brightly. Beloved husband to the late Cynthia Dantas. Loving father to Richard / Michele Dantas (Connecticut) & Kevin / Elaine Dantas (Toronto, 647-704-3350). Proud & doting grandfather to Halle, Emma, Callum & Liam Dantas. Cherished, brother to Tina (late Victor) Da Costa, Claire (late Gerson) Fonseca, Colleen (Ossie) D’Souza, brother-in-law, uncle, cousin & friend to many.

Maurice passed away peacefully at his home in Sutton, England. His wisdom, generosity, wit & love for singing will forever be missed by all who had the privilege to know him. We take comfort in knowing that his legacy lives on through the stories he shared, & the love he gave. We will forever hold him in our hearts.

May his soul rest in eternal peace & may perpetual light shine upon him.

Jane Bertha Rodrigues

December 27, 1934 – January 12, 2025

With hearts heavy, yet grateful for her life so beautifully lived, we share the passing of Jane Bertha Rodrigues, cherished matriarch of the Rodrigues family, at the age of 90 years old. Beloved wife to Alcino Joseph Rodrigues for fifty-eight wondrous years, devoted mother to Dominic Joaquim and loving mother-in-law to Chantal Marie, Jane’s legacy of love, wisdom, and faith will echo through generations.

Born to Lily (née Botelho) and John De Souza in the coastal village of Anjuna, Goa, India, Jane was a sister to Gregory & Sybil (late) (London, England), Nancy & Augustino (late) (London, England), Joseph & Hilda (Mississauga, Canada), and Thaddeus & Margaret (Brampton, Canada), and an aunt and grandaunt to their many children and grandchildren.

Alvaro Collaço. London, Ex-Entebbe, Uganda

31st December 2024, London. Alvaro Collaço husband of the Late Afra, father of Avelino (Marjorie), Alina, Annabel, Anita (Dennis), and grandfather of Laura, Daniel, Danielle, Joelle and Joe, passed away peacefully in London on 31st December.

Born in Uganda, he studied in Goa and Poona and then returned to Uganda where he worked in the Ministry of Finance until 1973 as the Head of Finance, responsible for the national infrastructure budget. He came to the UK where he continued working for the civil service until retirement from the British Council in 1992. He was credited by the organisation for having improved the lives of thousands of people through technical education across all the countries he managed.

His retirement was dedicated to many voluntary activities, whilst enjoying family time and trips to Goa, where he supported numerous benevolent causes. He campaigned tirelessly to secure pensions for widows expelled from Uganda and after more than a decade of persistence with the government, he succeeded in obtaining their back-dated index-linked payments – life changing sums that significantly improved their quality of life, in countries such as UK, Canada, Australia, USA and Mauritius.

Alvaro Collaço played an active role in the G.O.A. (UK) for many years and was Chairman of their Council of Management from 1983 to 1986. He was instrumental in the acquisition of the G.O.A. clubhouse in Beckenham in 1983 and in setting up the former Standing Conference of Goan Organisations (SCOGO), now known as the GOAN festival, from its’ origins.

He was awarded the Papal Benemerenti  Medal for his lifelong services to the Church. Alvaro was also recognised for his years of contribution to the G.O.A. and many other organisations. He will also be greatly remembered for his establishment of the Uganda Reunion.

Condolences to acollaco@ukgateway.net

Tom de Souza

With great sadness we announce Tom’s passing on 14th November 2024, aged 85, and into the loving care of the angels, the saints and our ancestors.

Son of the late Pascual and Marie, brother/brother-in-law of Philu/Peter (late), Angela/Hilary (late), Patrick/Fatima, Yan (late), husband of Agatha, father of Marion and Caroline, and grandad to Rachel, Miriam, Hannah and Daniel. A dear friend and neighbour.

Born in Goa, the family then moved to Mombasa. Tom worked in Nairobi before getting married in 1966 and emigrating to the UK in 1967, eventually settling in Ruislip. He worked for British Airways for over 32 years and in his retirement gave up his free time to care for his granddaughters. We cherish the time we had together.

May Tom’s beautiful soul rest in eternal peace in God’s Heavenly banquet.

Condolences to M_de-souza@sky.com and do please visit here for tributes and photos. A loving tribute to Tomé (Thomas / Tom) De Souza, 1939 – 2024

Michael Fernandes

It is with heavy hearts that we inform you of the passing of Minguel Joao (Michael) Fernandes which occurred on 29th December 2024. Son of the late Joaquim Rosario & Maria Josefa Fernandes. Son-in-law of the late Joaquim & Maria Rosa Cabral. Loving husband to Armanda and beloved father of Fiona (Neil) & Savio.

Brother/brother-in-law to the late Augustinho/Jacinta, Angelina/Jose, Joaquim/Antoinette & Bento/Cathy. Brother-in-law to Filomena (late) /Mario, Roque (late)/ Rosie, Markus/Sara, Manuel/Agnela & Walter/Mary. He will be missed by all his nieces, nephews and godchildren. He was treasured friend to many.

Funeral will take place on Thursday 2nd January 2025 at St Francis Xavier’s Church, Parklands. Viewing will be at 10.00am, followed by the Mass at 10.30am.

May Michael’s beautiful soul rest in eternal paradise.
Condolences and any photos of Michael to be sent to minguelfernandes49@gmail.com

Margaret Mary Fernandes

Margaret Mary Fernandes, a cherished matriarch and beloved pillar of her family, passed away peacefully on the 5th of October, 2024, at the age of 88. Born on the 27th of November, 1935, in Mombasa, Kenya, Margaret touched the lives of many with her unwavering faith, compassion, and sense of humour.  Margaret was the devoted wife of Anthony John Moses Fernandes, with whom she shared a long and happy marriage. Together, they created a loving family, raising four children who were her pride and joy. Her legacy endures through them and the countless treasured memories she helped create.  A hardworking and devoted individual, Margaret was the rock of her family, always putting their needs above her own. Her home was a place full of warmth and laughter, where she delighted in hosting gatherings and creating an atmosphere where everyone felt loved and accepted.

Her friends and family knew Margaret as a woman of deep-rooted faith and remarkable strength. Although she was a person of few words, her actions spoke volumes, earning her the respect and admiration of those around her. Margaret’s welcoming nature and ability to forgive and accept others were the hallmarks of her compassionate spirit.

Margaret Mary Fernandes will be remembered and cherished as a devoted wife, a dedicated mother, a caring grandmother, a loving great-grandmother, a woman of faith, and a compassionate friend. Her legacy of love, strength, and kindness will forever be carried in the hearts of those she leaves behind.

A funeral service to honour Margaret’s remarkable life will be held at St Antony of Padua in Forest Gate at 11:30 AM on Wednesday, the 6th of November, 2024. Family and friends are invited to come together in remembrance of a truly extraordinary woman who has left an indelible mark on all who knew her.

Domnic Rato (Ex-Nairobi)

Born 24 March 1936, Died 05 August 2024 London,UK. Son of the late Michael / Veneziana Rato. Beloved husband of Lourenca (Loren). Sister of late Rachael / late Johnny D’Souza, brother of Jack/Phylis, brother-in-law of late Aurola, late Philip, Alex/Josephine, Connie / late Florence, Ida / Manuel, Rachael, Rosalind & Agnela / Manuel. Uncle to Zina,Veronica, Jenifer, Cyril, Venny, Ian, Davina, Caesar, David & Richard, Rita, Estella, Hilda, late Dominic & late Felix
Passed away peacefully at St George’s Hospital Tooting.

A person of great faith, he was kind, loving and dedicated to his family. He brought joy and laughter to many and he cherished the happy moments he shared with many of you. He will be greatly missed by his family.

Thank you for the messages we have already received. Condolences can be sent to : lourerato@icloud.com; Details of the funeral 12:30pm 3rd September 2024, St Boniface Church,Tooting SW17 9PG, Burial London Cemetery, 59 Victoria Rd,CR4 3JB

Dr Peter Rodrigues

Dr Peter Joseph Rodrigues passed away peacefully at home in Beckenham, Kent on Friday 5th April 2024. Born in Nairobi, Kenya. Son of the late Martin / late Rosana Rodrigues. Brother to Bernie / Flavio Gracias and uncle to Martin / Alice Gracias. The funeral mass will be held on Tuesday 28th May 2024 at 11.30am at St Edmund’s Church, 20 Village Way, Beckenham, Kent BR3 3NP, followed by Cremation at 1.00pm at Beckenham Crematorium, Elmers End Road, Beckenham, Kent BR3 4TD.

The Mass will be live-streamed at https://www.churchservices.tv/beckenham.
The “Wake” will follow at St Edmunds Hall (opposite the Church). If you are attending the “wake”, kindly email berniegracias@aol.com or “whatsapp to 07748 986765 (for catering purposes). In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in memory of Dr Peter Rodrigues, to the Goan Welfare Society UK (Registered Charity No. 280542).

Payment can be made directly into the bank: Goan Welfare Society UK, HSBC Bank, Sort Code: 40-22-30 Account No. 01435981 (reference: Peter Rodrigues), or cheques payable to ‘The Goan Welfare Society UK’ can be sent to: 17 Firs Drive, Cranford, Middlesex, TW5 9TA. Please endorse your cheque ‘Peter Rodrigues’ on the back. Condolences to: berniegracias@aol.com

Monica Fernandes

passed away on 7th February 2024, in Sydney, Australia due to Aneurism.

Born 5th May 1932 in Mombasa, Kenya. Widow of the late Joe Neves, mother of Neville (Marie) and Nigel. Grandmother of the late Fabreece and Julian. Emigrated to London in October, 1974. Prominent member of the GOA (UK). Emigrated to Sydney in Jan 1993.

The funeral service was held on Monday 19th February 2024 at 11:00am at St Margaret Marys Catholic Church, 5 Chetwynd Road, Merrylands. Burial at Pinegrove Cemetery, Kington Street, Minchinbury. Messages of condolences can be sent to nev_fernandes@hotmail.com
The family kindly ask that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Brain Foundation, https://brainfoundation.org.au/donation/

Monica Fernandes was an active member of the G.O.A. (UK) for many years and helped to maintain the membership register until she left the UK in 1993. Her late husband, Neves Fernandes, also played an active role in the management of the G.O.A. (UK). He was the Treasurer in 1977, the Vice-President in 1979 and President in 1982

Victor De Menezes
London Uk (ex Uganda)

On 29 January 2024 he passed away peacefully at home aged 90 years. Beloved husband of Zita (Maria) and loving father of Renee and Michael. Loving grandfather deeply missed by Isabella, Ciara and Ethan. He was family orientated keeping in contact with his brother’s and cousin’s family as well as babysitting the grandchildren on a weekly basis when they were young and seeing them monthly over the last few years.

A person of great faith, he had the personality and charisma to make friends no matter the situation and his witty sense of humour will be sorely missed. Since retiring he liked to go to the theatre, have meals out and visit family and friends. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends. Condolences can be sent to zitadem8@gmail.com
12/03/2024 – Funeral Announcement: Victor De Menezes, London, ex Uganda.

The funeral service will be held on Tuesday 12 March 2024 at 12.30pm at St Christopher’s Church, Dallas Road, Cheam SM3 8RS followed by the burial at Sutton Cemetery, Alcorn Court SM3 9PX.

The family kindly ask that in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the British Heart Foundation via the following link https://giftofhope.bhf.org.uk/In-Memory/Victor-De-Menezes.   Please join us in remembering Victor by posting any memories to his memorial website.

It would be much appreciated if you would email zitadem8@gmail.com on whether you will be able to attend the funeral/wake and if you have any food allergies.

She was a loving grandma, sister, aunty, friend and relative to so many. We will all miss her very much.

Funds are being raised in loving memory of our lovely Reeda for Ovacome – Ovacome is the UK’s national ovarian cancer support charity.

Sadly passed away peacefully aged 92 years, on 17 October 2023. A graduate of Newcastle University Medical School, a GP initially in Eastleigh, Nairobi, Kenya, and for nearly thirty years in the NHS in Tooting, South West London. He is survived by Clara his beloved wife of 65 years, and was loving father to Maria and Peter, and cherished grandfather to Becca, Jacob, Evie, Amber, Sara, and Sophia.
Funeral service was held on Wednesday 15th November 2023 at 11:30 am. Our deepest sympathies to his family and condolences to:

Condolences to: pasc1@hotmail.co.uk

8 January 2023: ESAU RAHIM

Sadly Esau Rahim, aged 82 years, passed away peacefully in hospital. Esau was the beloved husband of Norma Menezes-Rahim, a Trustee of the Goan Welfare Society UK (GWS) and Esau himself was the reporting accountant of GWS in the early years of the charity.

He will be truly missed by all his family and his many friends across the world. A Memorial Mass to celebrate his life was held on 29 July 2023. Our deepest sympathies to Norma and those who wish can send their

Condolences to: normamenezes@aol.com

Condolences to: jane.gracias10@gmail.com

1 Jul 2023: Swindon, UK. VIVIANO ANDRADE.

Died peacefully at home. Born in Goa on 11 March 1983, son of late Nicolau Honorato Andrade and Anacleta Gonsalves (Dabal, Goa) He is survived by his beloved mother Anacleta Gonsalves, siblings Fr Valeriano Andrade, Veena Andrade & Visitação Andrade and brother-in-law, Menino Edviges Fernandes.

Funeral service will take place at Our Lady of Visitation Church, 358 Greenford Road, Greenford, Middlesex UB6 9AN, on Wednesday, 2nd August 2023 at 1.00pm.

Live stream at https://parish.rcdow.org.uk/greenford/

Condolences to: valeriano.andrade2@gmail.com

Benny Mascarenhas 

Born 31.3.1948 Died 24.9.2021.

Benny Mascarenhas sadly passed away on Friday 24th September 2021. Born in Nairobi, studied at the Goan /Sacred Heart School in Mombasa, Husband of Cecilia, brother to Lambert, Sybil (late Benedict), Late Leslie (late Olga), Mina (Joe), Late Gracie (Martin), Late Philip (late Irene), Angela (late Tony), Jojo (Jennifer) and Uncle to many nephews, nieces and their children. Brother-in-law to Tyrone (Rose) Vaz. He was a well-known lead guitarist of “The Shiftars” in Mombasa, as well as for a short time with The Hombres in UK. A committed member of The Saligao Association and President in 1981, and previously active in the G.O.A.

A donation will be made to The Roy Castle Lung Foundation. This is now a perpetual Donation/memory page in his memory to keep this worthy cause going that has helped many with lung & other cancers. You can add a thought or memory as this would be appreciated by Cecilia. You do not have to donate either – entirely up to you.  Please say a prayer for him! Thank you! https://benjamin-mascarenhas.muchloved.com

A Tribute by Marci Pereira (PDF)

ELSIE MACIEL (ex NFD, Kenya)

passed away in Sutton Surrey on 10 April 2020. Adored wife of Mervyn for 68 years, loving mother of Clyde/Marguerite, Andrew/Pam, Josey, Pollyanna/Geoff. Treasured grandma of Matthew, Elize, Jordan, April, Aliya, Yakira, Thomas & Henry and great-grandmother of Dusharn passed away at Crossways Nursing Home, Sutton, on 10th April. Due to present lockdown normal funeral arrangements not possible.

Condolences to mervynels.watuwashamba@gmail.com

ROSE LOBO (ex-Nairobi)

passed away peacefully in South Norwood, London on 2 April 2020. Wife of Raymond Lobo (past Office bearer of the G.O.A [UK] and past Trustee of the GWS).

Children: Flora (Austin); Kenneth (Sabrina) and Evelyn (Mike). Grandchildren: Alistair, Ryan, Emma, Franklyn and Jasmine. A cremation service will be held on the 16th April 2020, however, due to current Government restrictions, only family members will be permitted. At this difficult time, we thank you for your prayers and sympathies.

Condolence messages to Flora (aflobo_iigmae@talktalk.net) or Ken (ken.lobo@virgin.net)

Bosco Saldanha, a former Trustee of the Charity. Bosco was also the current Vice President of the Goan Association (UK) and passed away suddenly at his home in Croydon on Saturday, 4 August 2018. He is survived by Marcia, children Maria, Jude, Emily & Marisa and grandchildren Daniel & Maisie. Our sincere condolences to the family and please keep them in your prayers. A Requiem Mass will be offered for the repose of his soul and may he enjoy heavenly peace with the Lord.

Bosco has a long history of voluntary work in the community and has been a longstanding office-bearer of the Goan Association (UK). He served in various positions, going back over three decades, and played an active part in the management of this organisation. We are pleased to note that the forthcoming Annual Sports Day of the Goan Association (UK) on Sunday 26 August 2018 is being dedicated to Bosco as a mark of respect and in recognition of his selfless service to the community.

Condolence messages to emilysaldanha8@gmail.com

MARIA FAUSTINA D’SOUZA BENTO from Wimbledon, who passed away on 16th February 2017. Wife of the late Caetano Damascus D’Souza Bento and mother of Peter, Paul, Francis/Laura and Anna Marie. Condolences to pauliekd2013@gmail.com

VIRGINIA VAZ who passed away in Croydon on 8th June 2017. Mother of Cecilia/Benny Mascarenhas & Tyrone/Rose Vaz. Condolences to celia.tyrone@hotmail.com

JOAN NORA NORTON nee DE SOUZA who passed away in Adelaide, Australia on 12th June 2017. Wife of Paul and sister of Emilia, Zita, Ollie, Savio and late Millie & Andrew. Condolences to svdesouza@aol.com

JOE GONSALVES who passed away in Sydney Australia on 13th June 2017. Husband of Natty and father of Jocelyn, Sharlyn, Tashlyn/Joshua. Condolences to gonsalvesj2000@gmail.com

DIEGO PINTO who passed away in Tooting on 14th March 2017. Husband of Nina and father of Donovan/Karen & Dwayne. Condolences to donovan.pinto@bt.com

TIMOTHY ALMEIDA who passed away in London on 1st April 2017. Brother of Ubaldo and Max/Veronica. Condolences to tennyson0031@gmail.com

ALISHA CHRISTY PEREIRA who passed away in Hounslow on 30th April 2017 aged 22. Daughter of Inacio/Ana Pereira, and sister of Allan.

JOSE (MARCELLO) MONTEIRO who passed away in Toronto on 24th May 2017. Husband of Catherine and father of Cheryl/Michael. Condolences to blanchemonteiro@rogers.com