Petronila C. D'Costa

Pain that continues endlessly 
Eyes that continue to weep 
Tears that dry on cheeks 
Ripped hearts to many a piece
Of all the places to go 
Never thought you’d leave
Into another world I can’t believe
Left us alone to grieve
A family once of 5 now 4 and incomplete

Craving even a small hug to 
Hold you just for a while longer 
Anguished at the thought of never 
Now I wake from being a dreamer
Dawning mornings scream in silence 
Reality syncs deep with condolence 
Again I’m reminded your absence’s essence 

Don’t worry about me
‘Cause you raised me strong 
Onwards I march cracks and all 
Smiling to you as I hope you are too
That’s the only way my smile is true
Alas till our final meeting is due.

Petronila was born in Kolkata, India on August 10th 1966. She was the oldest of two children, sister to Gracious Tushar Gomes, daughter of  Alexander Sunil Gomes and Gloria Sushushma Gomes. She married Gabriel Subash D’Costa on January 2nd 1988 and celebrated her 33rd marriage anniversary on January 2nd, 2020. She has 3 daughters, Celestina Sally D’Costa, Valentina D’Costa and Justina Sharon D’Costa. She has 3 cats, Leia, Leo and Mia. She relocated to USA in October of 2001 in the hopes of providing a better life for her family and especially her children. 

She was a strong, independent, open minded, progressive, honorable and righteous individual who taught her kids to grow up the same way. A firm believer in education, Petronila was unequivocally selfless to provide any and all support for her girls to pursue their passion through education and become independent. She was a strong individual who never gave up in the face of adversity. She is self taught in all aspects of her life and her continual eagerness to learn (as she always preached there’s no age limit to learn) allowed her to not only provide a wonderful life for her family but also find her true self, her own identity. 

Petronila had magic in her hands as everything she cooked was out of this world. Her food was beloved by everyone who was lucky enough to taste it. She liked to personalize and elevate traditional Indian food and the results were always mouth watering. She never let anything including medical ailments slow her down in life. She was her husband’s one true love and best friend. She was the foundation of her family, with each member heavily reliant on her support. She was the glue. 

Her sudden passing due to COVID-19 on March 29th, 2020 has been more than difficult to come to terms with. However her memories, teachings, and essence lives on with her daughters who are carrying every piece of her throughout their lives. She lives on through her family, friends and any individual who shared her memory as her impact has always been long lasting. 

Mom, we miss you so much and love you more than we can put in these words. 

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