Alzira Bettencourt Maria

Alzira Bettencourt Maria, 92, passed away on October 17, 2013 in San Jose, California with her loving family by her side. She was born on April 7, 1921 on the island of Graciosa, Azores the daughter of Manuel and Ana Augusta Bettencourt.

At age 47, Alzira and her husband Francisco Maria who preceded her in death in 1983 migrated from the Azores to pursue a new life for their family in California. The family settled in Willow Glen and Alzira remained there throughout her long and prosperous life. Alzira worked at the Hyatt House as a housekeeper until she retired at the age of 62. After retiring from the Hyatt House she played a big part in helping to raise her grandchildren, as she was always willing to babysit the grandkids whenever the parents asked for her help. Alzira was an avid gardener with an amazing green thumb as shown by her beautiful flower gardens and the bountiful fruit and vegetables she harvested every season. Her passion for gardening kept her youthful and active well into her 80’s. She also was known for keeping a warm and welcoming home. Her house was the site of many family celebrations and everyone knew they were going to leave happy and well fed. Alzira worked hard to provide for her large family and her legacy and work ethic will reside in her family for generations to come. Alzira is survived by her children: daughter Maria Fatima Silva, son Florentino Silva, daughter Inez Ross and her husband Ron, her deceased son Firmino Silva's wife Laudina; grandchildren, Danny DaSilva and his wife Marthina, Diana Silva Manibusan and her husband David, Vitoria Silva Ibanez and her husband Noel, Elizabeth Turner Wintters and her husband Harold, Jennifer Turner Joye and her husband Daniel, Christine Magnan and her husband Nicholas, Melanie Silva, Aaron Ross, Ryan Ross, great-grandchildren, Matthew and Sophia Silva, Madeline and Juila DaSilva, Brandon, Mariah, Olivia and Grayson Manibusan, Jett Joye, Gabriella Ibanez, Thiago Ibanez; also numerous nieces and nephews. Alzira was also preceded in death by her grandson Tomas Silva. Family and friends are invited to visit Tuesday, October 22nd from 6 to 9:00 p.m. with a Rosary Vigil at 7:00 p.m. at Lima Family Santa Clara Mortuary, 466 N Winchester Blvd. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated Wednesday, October 23rd at 11:00 a.m. at Five Wounds Portuguese National Church, 1375 E Santa Clara St. in San Jose. Interment will follow in Santa Clara Mission Cemetery.