Maria (Mary) Angelina Gomes Ballard

Mary passed peacefully at home after a brief illness which she endured with strength and courage. Mary was born to Francisco and Angelina Gomes after they came to America from Soa Nicolau, Cape Verder Island. Mary was the seventh of eleven children. Mary was born in Providence RI and moved to CT in 1960 with her husband and children. She enjoyed reading, knitting, sewing, crocheting and baking. We all enjoyed her homemade bread and agreed it was the best in the world!

Mary came from a musical family and had a beautiful singing voice which she shyly kept a secret. She loved her family, and they were the most important part of her life. Mary was known as Mama Bia a name given to her by John Delgado and Diana Lima.

Mary worked nights as a unit clerk in the ICU at St. Rapheal Hospital for many years. She went back to school and became a Licensed Practical Nurse when her children were grown. She enjoyed helping others. She worked as an LPN in Connecticut and Colorado until her retirement.

Mary leaves behind her brother Charles Gomes, Daughters Juanita Taylor (Owens Sr.) Antoinette Rosario Brown, Christina T. Welch (Ollie Jr) and Son Mario Rosario jr. (Theresa). Her loving grandchildren Pierre, Julian and Susan and a host of great and great great grandchildren. Along with nieces and nephews she regarded as her own children. Also her Stepchildren Patrick and Penny Ballard and children Christopher, Talon, Simone and Johnathan. Her special “daughters” ILidia Sylvia and Jessica DaGraca.

Mary was predeceased by her husband Earl Ballard, sisters Etelvina Santos, Rose Santos, Alice Cardozo and brothers Thomas, Jaqueim, Joseph and Antonio Gomes. Her son Francisco (Franky) Rosario, Grandson Owens TaylorJr., granddaughter Tiffany Colwell and Great granddaughter Tatiana Batts.

Mary’s love and kindness will be missed and the many special memories will remain in our hearts and conversations

Mary leaves us this message

To my cachpa kids

Do not look forward to the change and chances of this life with fear. Rather, look to them with full confidence that, as they arise, God to whom you belong, will in his love, enable you to profit by them. He has guided and guarded you thus far in life. Do you but hold fast to his dear hand and he will lead you.

A Celebration of Mary’s Life will be held on Saturday December 28, 2024 at Colonial Funerals, 86 Circular Avenue, Hamden at 11am. Viewing in Colonial from 10am-11am. Condolences may be expressed at www.colonialfunerals.com