Rosaline “Rosalie” Oliveira Cabral, 79, of New York City, formerly of New Bedford died Thursday, December 26, 2013, following a brief illness.
“Rosalie” or “Rose” as she enjoyed being called, was born in New Bedford on September 4, 1934 and was the daughter of the late Amario Joaquim Oliveira and Joanna (Lopes Santos) Oliveira. Following the untimely death of her mother when she was seven months old, and with the consent of her father, Rosalie was raised by her godmother, the late Maria Duarte Cabral. In June 1946, she was legally adopted by her godmother.
In 1960, Rosaline moved to New York City where she resided for more than 50 years. She was a communicant of Our Lady of the Assumption Church in New Bedford and of the Church of St. Francis of Assisi in New York City.
Prior to retiring, she was employed by several small businesses and agencies, including Yano Research Institute, LTD., headquartered in the Empire State Building, where she was administrative aide to the sales/marketing manager. She worked for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Department of Public Welfare as a social service technician in its Medical Assistance Unit and very early in her career worked as a legal secretary and bookkeeper for Louis M. Stark, Esq., and the Miller Hat Company, in New York City. For 20 plus years, she held several positions in the restaurant business in Massachusetts and New York. In the early 60’s and 70’s, she was a well-known waitress/manager for the Theresa Coffee Shop located in the famous Theresa Hotel and worked at the popular Pan Pan, in Harlem in the late 1990’s.
She went to Roosevelt Junior High School, graduated New Bedford High School, and attended Kinyon-Campbell Secretarial School. She also took undergraduate courses at the City University of New York but was unable to complete her degree due to family obligations.
An avid reader, Rose was passionate about history, science and the arts. Her interest in national and international politics, including current affairs made for spirited conversation with many of her friends and colleagues. She was a loyal friend to many, a masterful cook of Cape Verdean cuisine, and a fun storyteller.
Rosalie is survived by her daughters, Valerie Cabral of New York, and Erie (Cabral) Contreras and her partner Robert Mendes of New Bedford, and her grandson Brandon M. Cabral of New Bedford. She is also survived by two brothers, Manuel Oliveira of New York and Louis Oliveira of New Bedford, a sister Antonia Oliveira of New Bedford; three godchildren: Gene, Roberta, and Debra, and dozens of nieces and nephews.
Rosalie was also the sister of the late Maria Oliveira, Joaquim “Jackie” Oliveira, Antone “Toi” Oliveira, and John Oliveira.
Visiting hours will take place on Thursday, January 2, 2014 at the Saunders Dwyer Home for Funerals, 495 Park Street, New Bedford from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM, with a prayer service at 5:30 PM. As per her wishes, the family asks that in lieu of flowers donations be made in her memory to the Boys and Girls Club of Greater New Bedford/Wareham, 166 Jenney St., New Bedford, MA 02740. For directions and guestbook, please visit www.saundersdwyer.com.