Emily Katherine Gonsalves

She was born on November 26,1929 at their family home in Santa Clara, CA to John and Emilia Ferreira. Because her birthday was so close to Thanksgiving, it was often celebrated in conjunction with the holiday. Emily was a beloved daughter, sister, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend. A devout Catholic throughout her life, she found strength and peace in prayer, the sacraments, and a deep personal relationship with Christ.

In recent years, she especially looked forward to her Saturday visits with Eucharist Minister Hani Ajus for prayer and communion. A pale-yellow resin cross she once received as a gift became her most treasured possession—it was always with her and will remain with her forever.

After graduating from Santa Clara High School, Emily married Albino V Gonsalves on December 6, 1953. Together, they built a life rooted in faith, family, and unconditional love. She was an incredible wife, homemaker and mother. A natural caregiver, Emily lovingly cared for others for many years and lived independently for the past five years.

Her fun spirit, generous heart, compassionate nature, and unwavering faith were a source of comfort and inspiration to everyone who knew her. In high school, Emily was a spirited Majorette baton twirler. She enjoyed gardening, bowling, snow skiing, camping, and boating with family and friends. She was also a talented oil painter and enjoyed crocheting, sewing and crafting. For many years, she made wedding favors, handmade gifts and holiday decorations such as Easter baskets and Halloween costumes for loved ones. She never said no to helping her daughters with their children or her grandchildren with school projects.

In her later years, Emily especially enjoyed family holidays and celebrations at Seascape Resort. She cherished every gathering—whether a backyard BBQ or a festive party—and was always there with her signature dishes. A true social butterfly who never wanted to miss out, she stayed at Linda’s until 1am to ring in New Year’s 2025. She proudly attended countless sporting events to cheer on her grandchildren in baseball, football, skating and soccer. She also loved spending time doing word search puzzles or playing the game Aggravation with her dear friend Connie. Her competitive spirit remained strong—even playing a game with Connie the day before she passed.

We remember Emily’s spice and sass through some of her favorite sayings:

“It’s the shits getting old,”

“It is what it is,”

“I like candy, and I’m going to die sweet”—a nod to her love of Dove chocolates.

Emily is survived by her oldest brother George; her daughters, Linda (Fred) and Darlene (John); her grandchildren Vince, Eric, Lauren (Luke), Bryan (Katherine), Sean (Andrea), Jena (Ryan); and her great-grandchildren Cierra, Colton, William, Mia, Emily, Declan, Tenley and Bridget.

She is welcomed into eternal life by her beloved husband, Albino; her parents, John and Emilia Ferreira; and her siblings Francis, Alice, John Jr., Henry, Carmen and Richard.

A Rosary will be held on Sunday, June 8 at 6:00pm at Lima Family Santa Clara Mortuary. Mass will be celebrated on Monday, June 9 at 10:00am at St. Justin Parish in Santa Clara.

A resting place blessing will follow at 11:30am at Santa Clara Mission Cemetery. Lunch will be hosted at 12:00pm at Lima Family Santa Clara Mortuary Event Space.

"Eternal rest grant unto her O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon her. May she rest in peace. Amen.”