Palmira Fernandes Levine

Palmira Fernandes Levine passed away October 9, 2016, in the gentle care of Suncoast Hospice Palm Harbor at the age of 92, with family by her side. She is survived by 3 children: Ronald Perrault of Sarasota , Dennis Perrault of Sarasota, and Lynne Perrault of Palm Harbor; her brother James Fernandes of New Rochelle; 5 grandchildren: Michelle Gamber, Nicole Tally, John Perrault, Elizabeth Perrault, , and Sarah Strehle; 6 great-grandchildren: Michael Perrault, Nicole (Nikki) Perrault, Brittaney Gamber, Tate Tally, Tess Tally, and Joaquin Lopez; and many nieces and nephews she was close to. She is pre-deceased by a beloved grandson Ronald Jr. Perrault. Palmira, known as Pam, was born March 27,1924 in New Bedford, MA, to Felisbina Tulha Fernandes and Joao Fernandes, both from Portugal. She was the middle of 9 children, 4 sisters and 4 brothers: Albino, Minda, Hazel, Dominic, Anna, James, Elvira, and Lindo. Her mother, "Mai" as she was known by the entire family was born in 1895 in Portugal. She courageously made the journey to America alone, at the age of 16. She went to live with relatives in New Bedford, MA, where she met her husband, known to the family as "Pai", at the age of 17 . Pai passed away in 1965, and Mai in 1972 at 77 years old. Pam considered her beloved mother her best friend, closest confidant and idol. She always wore a locket with Mai's photo. She often reminisced about the many fond memories of times they shared, and how special Mai made her feel, even as one of 9 kids. Believing they would ultimately be reunited was a great source of strength as she aged. Pam's family moved from New Bedford to New Rochelle, NY when she was 3. She met her first husband, Gerard Perrault, the father of her 3 children, at the age of 17. They raised their family in New Rochelle until 1958, when she moved to Stamford, CT. There she remained until moving to Florida around 1979. Gerard Perrault passed away in 2009 in Larchmont, NY. Though divorced, they remained friends always. Pam held a variety of jobs throughout her life when she was not busy being a fulltime homemaker, including working in a defense plant during the war, waitressing, retail sales, and managing a leasing office of an apartment complex in Clearwater, FL. She was active in fund-raising for the Leukemia Society in Stamford, CT. She took great pride in this and loved her co-workers. She learned from her mother at a young age how to sew, knit, crochet, and embroider. (How a mother of 9 kids who also took in boarders to support the family found time for these things is a mystery to all of us !) In her later years, these things became important as a past time and a way to donate handmade afghans, baby hats and sweaters, and caps for women undergoing chemotherapy. Pam was known for her sense of humor, and as a giving person ready to offer what she could to family and friends in need. She was strong, resilient, feisty, and fiercely independent, living on her own until just one week before passing away. She faced advancing age and health issues with courage, never complaining or seeking sympathy, ready join her beloved Mai. From your children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews, we love you and will miss you. The memories will live on. A Memorial Service will be held on Sunday, October 23, 2016 at Unity Church of Palm Harbor, 1960 Tampa Road at 2:30 PM in the Sanctuary, with a reception to follow from 3-4:00 PM in the Fellowship Hall.