Julia Da Piedade Fernandes

It is with deep love and sorrow, we announce the passing of our beloved mother, who passed away peacefully on January 13, 2026, surrounded by her loving family.
She was born on March 16, 1933, in Lousã, Portugal, to Manuel Fernandes and Rita Grilhermina da Piedade Mendes.

A woman of remarkable strength, courage, and devotion, she later made the life-changing journey to America, bringing her family with her and laying the foundation for generations to come. Her sacrifices, resilience, and unwavering determination shaped the lives of all who followed her.
She was a devoted wife, a loving mother of eight, and the proud grandmother of twenty-three grandchildren and eighteen great-grandchildren.

She leaves behind her children: Helena Hauser (late husband Lawrence) of Waterbury, Jack Fernandes and his wife Dawn of New Milford, Linda Wixted and her husband Edwin of Southbury, Daughter-in-law Helen Fernandes (late husband Antonio) of Bethel, Maria Taylor and her husband Christopher of Woodbury, Tina Aucella (late husband Joseph) of Middlebury, and Joseph Fernandes and his wife Celina of Danbury. She was pre-deceased by her husband Manuel Fernandes and her sons Manuel Jr. and Antonio.

Family was the center of her world. She found her greatest joy in being surrounded by her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren—whether through lively gatherings, shared meals, or quiet moments filled with love and laughter. She was known for her warmth, her strong values, and her deep pride in her Portuguese roots. She loved to play cards, enjoyed her large vegetable and flower gardens and listening to and singing Portuguese music. Her home was always a place of comfort, welcome, and unconditional love.

She will be remembered as a great wife, an extraordinary mother, and a cherished grandmother and great-grandmother whose legacy lives on through the many lives she touched. Her strength, kindness, and devotion to family will never be forgotten.

Services will be held private and at the convenience of the family. To send a condolence or to light a candle in her memory please go to the tribute tab.

To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Julia Da Piedade Fernandes, please visit our Tree Store.