Maria Cristina d’Andrade

Known to us all as Excelentíssima Senhora Dona, Cristina, Mai, Tia, Vovó, Tininha, amiga, friend…

Maria Cristina Bettencourt Freire d’Andrade passed away peacefully on January 22, 2023, surrounded by her loving family. Cristina was born on September 4th, 1923 at the Palacio Hotel de Vidago, in the north of Portugal to Alice Pery de Linde and Ezequiel Jose Bettencourt..

Her mother was 7 months pregnant with her 7th child, but it was her father who was feeling poorly, and decided to head north for a spa get-away.  That’s when Cristina decided to make her unexpected appearance.  This hinted at her attitude towards life for the entirety of her 99 years on this planet - ever eager, leaping into every new opportunity with her signature “genica”. (“Genica” - an untranslatable Portuguese word that’s a combination of spunk, heart. kick, energy, zeal…)

As one of 12 children, she spent a happy and exciting childhood in Lisbon with her 3 brothers and 8 sisters. At the age of 22, her godfather suggested a trip to New York City so that she could improve her English. Improve her English she did and fell in love not only with the U.S. but with her godfather, José Freire d’Andrade. After 2 years in New York City, they married and moved to Lisbon, Portugal where their daughter, Ana Maria was born; then to Paris, France where Alfredo João appeared on the scene; next, to Washington, DC, and finally,  New Rochelle, NY where Maria Tereza joined the family. When her husband passed away in 1965 she took on her biggest challenge - raising 3 children on her own. She decided to stay in the U.S. rather than return to Portugal where it would have been easier for her to care for her children with the help of her large family. But in the U. S. she had a wonderful group of friends whose support and love got her through those difficult times. She created her own interior design and craftsmanship business.  While it was a difficult and demanding time, it was easy  to see that she created a wonderful home filled with love and happy memories for us all.

She was also referred to as “Levada da breca” - a handful, a troublemaker, mischievous, up for anything. And everything ceative - sewing (she made every curtain in every house her children ever lived in - and many of her friends!) knitting, crocheting, embroidery, painting (from house painting to landscape painting), cooking/baking, entertaining, making and decorating dollhouses, making and donating teddy bears and baby quilts. Sewing pot holders, doing jigsaw puzzles, crossword puzzles, card games and don’t forget Prego and Bisca! She loved card tricks, solitaire and coloring books. Even sports, where she showed a very competitive streak - badminton, mini-golf, corn hole.  In her 90’s she took up Bocce and most recently, hatchet throwing!! And of course, teaching. Teaching all the above skills, as well as the most important of life skills, like how to be independent, how to be kind. How to make Daddy’s Cookies!

Cristina is predeceased by her husband, José Maximiliano Freire d’Andrade, who passed away in 1965.  She is survived by her children and their spouses, Ana Maria and Steve Mernick, Alfredo João and Elsa d’Andrade, and Maria Tereza d’Andrade and Phil Treacy, her grandchildren Emily and Stephanie Mernick, David Treacy, and Michelle and Mark Baker, and her great granddaughter, Isla Baker. And of course, hundreds of nieces and nephews and loving friends all over the world!

Cristina touched many lives in many ways. We will think of you always, there is no corner of our homes or hearts that doesn’t have a trace of you. You will continue to shape our lives. Be at peace.  Saudades.

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