Esther Gomes Barbosa (Tei) the beloved matriarch of our family, was born in Brava, Cabo Verde on January 4, 1933 to the late Antonio Tiago De Burgo (Padono) and Virginia Gomes Barbosa (Djidjina). Esther moved from Brava to Senegal in January of 1958 and in 1980, she brought her family to the United States. She worked as an incredibly skilled seamstress most of her life, had a great passion for cooking, and loved gathering with family and friends.

As the eldest sister, she was a natural caregiver from an early age. She is survived by her siblings Maria Almeida, Auxilia Serena (Loulouti), Tiago De Burgo and Ermelinda Barbosa De Burgo (Linda). Esther was also a loving mother of 7 children: Jose, Caetano, Olavo, Eurydice, Magda, Alain, and Eunice. She regarded each of her children as unique individuals and loved them equally. They all called her “Nha Mae” (my mom), and more recently to family and friends, she was known as, “Mommy Tei”. In addition to her role as a mother and sister, she was well-loved by her 23 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. She knew each and everyone’s favorite food, what they liked, and what they did not. She had a hand in each of their lives and reminded them about the important things. She was an affectionate, kind, funny, graceful, generous, and humble person.

Although she lived by herself, she was never alone. Among many family gatherings, she also cooked every Sunday and loved giving away leftovers to all those who came. Her Grand Marnier- flavored pound cake was immensely popular at such family events, but her loving nature roused her to make some whenever anyone requested it, which was often.

She was visited daily or weekly by various family members, and her phone lines (house and cell) were constantly busy. As her movements slowed and tasks became more difficult, she repeatedly refused to hire a home aid to assist with cleaning, laundry, etc. Although she was fiercely independent, in true Cape Verdean custom, she knew that she could count on her loving children, grandchildren, and friends to assist with the errands and tasks that were tiresome to do on her own. It was not a chore to help Esther, as she was an incredibly easy person to love.

She was free-minded and well-known for her gentle and comforting nature. She made a positive and lasting impact on all her children, other family members, and all who had the privilege of being her friend.

Esther Barbosa peacefully transitioned, on the morning of January 20, 2025, after a short illness. She was 92 years old. Esther’s life was a testament to resilience, determination and love. She will live in our hearts forever and the love she gave will last a lifetime. She will be dearly missed.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Saint Patrick Church, 400 Dudley Street, Roxbury, Saturday February 1 at 10:00 AM. Family and friends invited. Visiting hours at Dolan Funeral Home, 460 Granite Avenue, EAST MILTON SQUARE, Friday January 31 from 4-8 PM. Interment in New Calvary Cemetery.