Laura Gonsalves Andrews, age 97, daughter of the late Albertina Pires & Frank Fernandes, died after a short illness at the Wingate at Silver Lake in Kingston, on Sunday, August 28, 2011.
Laura was a native of Duxbury and a graduate of Duxbury High School, Class of 1933. She went on to become a Licensed Practical Nurse, working in Falmouth, MA for many years. She devoted her life to working for over 20 years in Florida as a Prison and Eucharistic Minister along with several other volunteer roles in the church and community. She received numerous awards for all of her efforts. Upon retirement, she resided in Florida for 27 years. Laura enjoyed to travel, especially to Jerusalem. She had her hair styled in Paris. She loved cruises, casinos, bingo and playing card games.
She was the beloved wife of the late Manuel Andrews and the late Antonio Gonsalves.
Laura leaves two daughters, Albertina Bruce of Duxbury and Beatrice Deas (Gerald) of North Carolina; two sons, Antonio Gonsalves (Diane) of Wareham and Robert Gonsalves of Daytona Beach, FL. She was also the mother of the late Frederick Gonsalves and Roberta Gonsalves.
Laura (Grammie) leaves 15 grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren, 2 great great-grandchildren and several nieces, nephews, cousins and many, many friends.
She was the dear sister of the late Catherine Mendes, Frank Fernandes, Jr., Guadencio Fernandes, Zulmira Rheddick and Domingo Fernandes.
Calling hours at the Shepherd Funeral Home, 216 Main Street (Route 106), Kingston, on Friday, September 2, from 4:00-8:00 PM.
Her Funeral Mass will be held at the Holy Family Church, 601 Tremont Street, Duxbury, on Saturday, September 3 at 10:00 AM.
Interment at the Saint Mary's Cemetery, Meeting House Lane, Scituate.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in Laura's memory may be made to the Duxbury Ambulance and Fire Rescue Fund, 668 Tremont Street, P.O. Box 2824, Duxbury, MA 02331 or to the Wingate at Silver Lake, Attention: Residence Fund, 17 Chipman Way, Kingston, MA 02364.