Beatriz da Cruz Fernandes Rodrigues

Beloved wife, Mother, Grandmother and Teacher

It is with heavy hearts and profound sadness that the Rodrigues family announce the sudden passing of Beatriz da Cruz Fernandes Rodrigues, 77, of Cheshire, on Thursday, August 29, 2024 at St. Mary’s Hospital.  Beatriz was the loving wife of Manuel Rodrigues for 53 wonderful years.  Born November 20, 1946 in Trinta, Portugal, a daughter of the late Manuel Manecas Fernandes and Maria Tareza. 

Beatriz brought her bright energy and dedication to the high school students of Hartford High School as a talented educator teaching Portuguese, French and English for over 30 years.  She challenged her students to exceed their expectations and to enjoy the journey of learning.  Beatriz earned her Associate’s degree from Naugatuck Valley College and then went on to earn her Bachelor’s, Master’s and 6th Year degrees from Central Connecticut State University.

Beatriz and Manny met in their hometown in Portugal and it certainly was love at first sight. They made their home in Cheshire where they raised their son Frank.  Every summer, the Rodrigues family would vacation in Portugal visiting Beatriz’ sister Maria and her children Teresa and Manuel Jose.  Camping, days on the beach, and time with family are just some of the treasured memories.  Beatriz’ happiness was complete with the births of her cherished granddaughters Kyla and Karinna and loving and spoiling them as only a grandmother could.  

Beatriz was always in motion.  Her talented hands were never still.  She created countless crocheted and knitted treasures.  She would see a pattern, add it to her many books and set to work creating her next tablecloth, sweater or scarf.   Beatriz applied her green thumb to her garden, growing robust vegetables.  Family dinners were always delicious and graced by Beatriz wonderful cooking.   She spent her life caring lovingly for others: her family, her church, students and friends.  Her bright light lives on in all those who were blessed to know her.

Left to cherish her love and honor her legacy beside her loving husband Manny, are Beatriz’ son Frank Rodrigues and granddaughters Kyla and Karinna Rodrigues of Ma.  Beatriz is also survived by her brothers-in-law: Adelino (Maria) Rodrigues of Fl., Armando Rodrigues of Naugatuck, Alipio DaSilva of Hamden, and Manuel Cunha of Portugal and sister-in-law Luiza Rodrigues of Naugatuck as well as many nieces and nephews.  Beatriz is predeceased by her sister Maria Jose Cunha.

Funeral services will be on Wednesday, September 4, 2024, 10:30am from Prospect Memorial/ The Palmerie Family Funeral Home, 122 Waterbury Rd., Prospect to St. Anthony’s Church, 4 Union City Rd., Prospect.  Relatives and friends are invited to visit with the family on Wednesday from 9:30am to 10:30am at the funeral home.  Prospect Memorial/ The Palmerie Family Funeral Home is honored to be entrusted with the arrangements and to care for the Rodrigues family during this difficult time of grief.  You are invited to share your condolences on Beatriz Tribute Wall on this website.

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