Viviana N. Gomes

Viviana Nascimento Gomes, 89, of Dorchester, MA passed away on Friday, August 14, 2026, surrounded by her family. Born on February 27, 1937, in Fajã de Baixo, São Nicolau, Cabo Verde, she lived a life defined by courage, faith, and an unshakable devotion to family.

Viviana faced hardship in Cabo Verde with quiet strength, and it was there, in the face of difficulty, that her determination to build a better life for her children took root. Through years of sacrifice, she brought her children to the United States, giving them the opportunity for a future she had fought so hard to secure. It was one of the great achievements of her life and one that would ripple through generations to come.

Viviana's love was not confined to her own family, as she was lovingly known to most as "Mama." She had an open door and an open heart for anyone in need — neighbors, friends, and even strangers found in her someone who made sure they were fed and safe. She believed deeply in caring for people simply because they needed care, and she lived that belief every single day.

Family was the center of Viviana's world. She cherished the time spent talking and sharing her life story with her children and grandchildren, cooking for and feeding everyone who came through her door, and babysitting her grandchildren, who brought her endless joy. A devout Catholic, she often referenced the Bible teachings she learned during her youth and passed this on to her family. She often reminded those around her, "de vagar vai longe (slow and steady wins the race)," and anyone leaving her home heard "God will accompany you" — words that reflected her patience, her faith, and the calm strength she carried through every chapter of her life.

She was preceded in death by her parents Raimundo and Maria Gomes, brothers Julio and João, and her children Valentina and Julio. Viviana is survived by her nine children, Rui and his wife Maria, Maria and her husband Pedro, Miguel, Manuel and his wife Manuela, Raimundo and his wife Maria, Ana and her husband Carlos, Manuela, Apolinio and his wife Celeste, and Jackson; 25 grandchildren, 29 great-grandchildren, her sisters Francisca, Antonia, and Valentina, honorary daughter Antonia, and a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, godchildren, friends, and loved ones.

Viviana's legacy is one of sacrifice, generosity, and unconditional love. She gave her family a new beginning, and she gave everyone she met a reason to feel cared for. She will be deeply missed, and her memory will continue to guide the family she built with such strength and grace.