Virginia L. Souza

Born in New Bedford on February 18, 1930, to Abraham and Mary Soares, she relocated to Truro at the age of six. She later recalled being terrified when she began attending Truro Central School, as she spoke very little English. However, she learned quickly and soon made many friends. As a child, she relished the fresh, green smell of a newly plowed garden in spring, watching buckets of fish arrive via the tramway at Cold Storage Beach, and observing her mother create accessories from fishnets for Tiny Worthington.

A graduate of Provincetown High School, Class of 1948, her peers named her most attractive, poised, and tactful—qualities that defined her throughout her life.

As a teenager, Virginia frequented Anybody’s Market, a grocery store in Provincetown. It was there she returned some rotten oranges to a clerk named Manuel “Manny” Souza. Manny remembered, “One day, she came alone and had lost her money… I went out to help her find it… We talked naturally, and later on, I dated her—and that was that.” They were happily married for 69 years, until his passing in 2018.

Early on, Virginia managed Provincetown’s Corner Gift Shop while dreaming of becoming a medical professional. She ultimately chose to channel her nurturing spirit into raising her four beloved children: Craig, Mark, Paul, and Eileen. A devoted mother and homemaker, she served as a Cub Scout Den Mother and volunteered at Our Lady of Perpetual Help, where she taught CCD classes.

As her children grew older, Virginia worked at the Colonial Candle Company in Wellfleet, the Eastern National Bookstore at the Provincelands Visitor’s Center, and Bayberry Gardens in Truro. Later in life, she became a valued volunteer at the Truro Historical Society.

Virginia was happiest surrounded by family. She radiated joy with a baby in her arms and delighted in time spent with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren as they played in her midst. A grandmother of ten and great-grandmother of ten, she was affectionately known as “Nana,” “Nanny,” “Double GJ,” “Sparkles,” and “Nons.” She will be fondly remembered for beach days, playing the piano, wiffle ball games under her pear trees, Portuguese rice pudding finished with a perfect cinnamon lattice, bolos, flipper breakfasts, and her insistence on a kiss on both cheeks—never just one—to “even things out.”

She also enjoyed traveling extensively throughout Europe, returning several times to her parents’ hometowns of Terceira and Valença do Minho in Portugal. Beyond Europe, she and her husband explored Morocco, Hawaii, and many of the United States’ National Parks. At home, she loved cooking, gardening, walking the beach in search of heart-shaped stones, birdwatching, and sunsets.

An avid collector of newspaper clippings, photographs, and ephemera, Virginia often included such mementos in cards to family and friends, and in some cases, created treasured and comprehensive scrapbooks. She was an exceptional listener with a flair for connecting across generations.

Throughout her life, Virginia remained vibrant, curious, and engaged. When asked the secret to a long, happy life, she replied, “attitude, gratitude, and fresh air.” This outlook, combined with her resilience and positivity, inspired all who knew her.

Virginia is survived by her children: Craig Souza (Debra) of North Truro, Mark Souza (Lenore) of Westford, Paul Souza (Debra) of Truro, and Eileen Babineau (David) of Plymouth. She also leaves ten grandchildren—Matthew, Timothy, Daniel, Katherine, Michael, Natalie, Brittany, Isabel, Sarah, and Thomas—and ten great-grandchildren: Michael, Ella, Violet, Hazel, Otis, Essie, Emerson, Ruby, Ada, and Lily.

Virginia was predeceased by her brothers Albert, George and James Avila.

The family extends their heartfelt thanks to Dr. William Shay, Dr. Lawrence McAuliffe, the VNA of Cape Cod, Ruth Anne Cowing, and Georgette Ducey for their care and support.

Family and friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial at St. Peter the Apostle Church in Provincetown on Monday, May 4th at 10 AM, followed by burial at Sacred Heart Cemetery in Truro.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Truro Rescue Squad or the Truro Historical Society.