Hilda dos Santos

Loving mother and wife, Ilda (Hilda) de Jesus Ferriera-Mourão dos Santos, 85, passed away peacefully on October 27, 2023, in St Petersburg, Florida. Hilda was born in Mouçós, Vila Real, Portugal to Maria Luísa Ferreira and José Joaquim Mourão. As a teenager she moved to Guarulhos, Brazil and then ultimately to the United States. She raised her family in Naugatuck Connecticut where she worked at Naugatuck Glass Company until she retired to St Petersburg Florida, where she spent the past 36 years of her life. Hilda was a phenomal cook and enjoyed plants, solitaire, crochet and word puzzles. Often referred to as the “dog whisperer” she loved animals as much as they loved her. Other people’s pets would often come to her when they saw her walking to say hello. Many times, astonishing their owners. She was devoted to her family and friends, caring for those in need and always willing to lend a hand. Her smile and love will be missed by all those that knew her who will find peace knowing that their angel on Earth is now their angel in Heaven. Hilda was preceded in death by her husband José M. dosSantos. She was lovingly cared for in the later years of her life by her daughter Hilda Fernandes of St Petersburg, Fl. She is also survived by her other children: Jose M dosSantos, Jr. of Queensland, Australia, Valentim Santos of Naugatuck, CT, Cristina Olexy of Bethel CT, and Carlos dosSantos of Orlando FL.; 9 grandchildren: Crystal, Amanda, Jerame, Brittney, Seth, Madeline, Jessica, Emily and Kayla; 6 great grandchildren: Arya, Autumn, Jordan, Axel, Freya, Gillian, and several cousins, nieces and nephews throughout the United States, Brazil and Portugal. Life is short but life is also long, and we feel gratitude for the many years of love, laughter and care that she provided as well as the strength she showed through life’s many challenges. To celebrate her beautiful existence and the joy she brought to the world a mass of remembrance is planned for Sunday, November 26 th at 10:30 am at St. Vincent Ferrer Church, 1006 New Haven Road (Route 63). In lieu of flowers, the family asks that contributions be made in her name to local animal shelters.

Hilda dos Santos

May 16, 1938 - October 27, 2023