Zenaida M. DaMota

If anyone ever cared, really cared for someone else it would have to be Zenaida M. DaMota. She was a warm hearted and well liked individual, and these wonderful traits came easily to her because she was such a sociable and amiable person, someone who was always making certain that those around her had whatever they needed. Zenaida was a talkative person who was tactful at all times but typically said what she meant.

Zenaida was born in her mother's home in Azores, Portugal. She was the daughter of Conceicao and Antero Correia. Zenaida was raised in St. Michael, Azores. During her childhood she learned to be reliable and respectful. Zenaida was an obedient child who wanted to win the favor of others. She found it easy to show sympathy and to perform kind acts for others. These admirable qualities would become a part of Zenaida's personality throughout her life.

Though Zenaida was frequently the one to initiate games and activities with her family, she was also quite often the family member who took the role of referee. Zenaida was a peace-maker with an ability to resolve all sorts of family conflicts. In fact, Zenaida worked conscientiously to keep those typical family spats at bay. Zenaida was raised with five siblings. She had three brothers, Carlos, Joe, Antero and two sisters, Angelina and Connie. Zenaida and her siblings had the typical rivalries while growing up, but they cared deeply for one another.

As someone who reveled in the sheer joy of her experiences, Zenaida was always enthusiastic about new adventures. Although she had an exacting nature, Zenaida was always tactful. One thing Zenaida will certainly be remembered for is that, when she got up in the mornings, she was ready and raring to go. As a young girl, Zenaida had a number of interests and was an active child. Zenaida took part in and was very involved in theatre. She loved to sing and she was a part of the choir and was very outgoing. She worked in a shoe store in St. Michael. She made friends in no time. In her spare time she liked to go to the movies, camping, and spending time with her boyfriend, John DaMota.

For Zenaida, the school routines were never a problem although she generally preferred variety to structure. She seemed to be able to start a project and work right through to its completion. And she was able to do it quickly and efficiently. Zenaida was also adept at details. Zenaida was very observant and was generally quick at picking up new things. She enjoyed some courses more than others, having favorite classes and teachers. Her favorite class in high school was Geography.

There was one thing that all of Zenaida's friends knew and will still remember, and that is that she was a talker. She could pretty much talk to anybody about anything. This quality is one of the primary reasons that Zenaida was such a popular person throughout her life. But Zenaida was also dependable, loyal and trustworthy. Zenaida was the kind of person who simply radiated good fellowship. While she maintained personal standards and her own personal values, Zenaida was very accepting of others. With a distinct skill for working things out, Zenaida was often the person who would organize events. In fact, Zenaida was fairly comfortable playing the role of “host” for just about any occasion. When Zenaida made friends, she made true and lasting friendships. While growing up, some of her best friends were Ana, Gina, and her best friend was Donna. Later in life, she became friends with Victoria Vinson, and Mary, a friend from work.

Zenaida was a faithful and loving person. Some would even call her sentimental and a romantic at heart. Her kindness and consideration radiated an aura of warmth to those around her. Zenaida cared for what others thought and carried that into her marriage. On March 9, 1968 Zenaida married Joao Luis DaMota at Virgin Mary of the Angels Church of Faja de Baixo, Ponta Delgada, Azores, Portugal. Compassionate and devoted, Zenaida worked hard to make her new life partner happy.

Harmony was important to Zenaida and she made every effort to maintain it with her family. Zenaida was blessed with two children, one son, Nelson and one daughter, Amanda. They were also blessed with three grandchildren, Devon, Nathan and Gabrielle. Zenaida was always conscious of the feelings others had. She was reasonable and understanding. As a result, Zenaida was quick to solve disputes and did so without much fuss. Her secret of success in this area was simple: Zenaida would listen before she would act.

Taking her work seriously came naturally to Zenaida, and she expected the same from those around her. Zenaida was a good team player, someone who was born to cooperate with others. She was what some would call a “people person” and it was demonstrated in her good communication skills. Zenaida was a steady worker, one who was realistic about schedules. The kind of details that would give family members and work colleagues fits were situations that Zenaida handled well. She could understand the details without getting lost in the broad “big picture.” Her primary occupation was cosmetologist. She was employed for her own salon for 6 years and then worked for Ulta Salon and Cosmetics for 10 years. She brought harmony to her work environment, doing what was necessary in order to get the job done, while always maintaining respect for her colleagues.

A methodical woman, Zenaida enjoyed spending time working on her various hobbies. She had no problem following all of the steps and instructions on a given project and was proud of the fact that she could have something to show for her efforts. Her favorite pursuits were going to the casino with her husband, watching movies, cooking, and spending time with her kids.

Her high moral standards and traditional values served Zenaida well with her faith. Religion and faith were important to her. She was a member of St. Edwards' Church for 30 years and a member of St. Peter's for 12 years. She was well respected because she was such an outgoing individual who sought to help in any manner she could.

A generous and compassionate woman, Zenaida accomplished much during her lifetime. Though she never set out to gain individual recognition, Zenaida was recognized and given awards for her many and varied efforts throughout her life. Some of her most prestigious awards included her becoming a master designer working for Vita for 5 years.

Not only did Zenaida enjoy traveling, but she also seemed to enjoy planning all of those trips and vacations. She was a facilitator who could easily make up a near perfect schedule of all of the things to do and see. She rarely tired of going back and revisiting her favorite places. Favorite vacations included visiting Europe in 1984, 1988, and 2008.

Zenaida was a lover of animals and cherished her pets. One of her favorites was Tiger, her German Shepherd/Husky mix. She also loved her daughters' two American Pitbull Terriers, Saydee and Diesel. She had Tiger for 4 years and knew Saydee and Diesel for about a year.

Zenaida passed away on April 20, 2010 at Sunrise Hospital, Las Vegas, Nevada. Zenaida suffered a massive stroke in which she fought until the end and then she passed. She is survived by her husband, John DaMota, her son Nelson DaMota, daughter, Amanda DaMota, and grandchildren, Devon DaMota, Nathan Dilling, and Gabrielle Dilling. Services were held at St. Peter's Church. Zenaida was laid to rest in Palm Mortuary in Henderson, Nevada.

Zenaida was a fantastic conversationalist who could engage just about anyone in a discussion. And whenever she said something, she meant it. Zenaida was a down to earth person, outgoing and gregarious. She was without question the type of person who enjoyed experiencing things first hand. She was practical and sensible, but what friends and family will remember her for most is the fact that she was so understanding and kind. Everyone whose life she touched will miss Zenaida M. DaMota. Arrangements under the direction of Palm Henderson-Funeral Home, Henderson, NV.