Maria (Mary) Costa Goncalves
March 1930 – April 2020
Mary Goncalves, 90, passed away on Wednesday, April 29 in Mt Joy, PA. Mary was born in Elizabeth, NJ. She lived in Portugal from age 7 to 9, then lived in Elizabeth, N.J., for the rest of her life until moving to Cranford, N.J., in 2013 and to Mt Joy, Pa., in 2014.
Mary was dedicated to her family and was a full-time homemaker, although for many years worked as a part time bookkeeper.
For many decades, Mary faithfully supported the Lions Club and participated in events such as the Thanksgiving Day Lunch, charity balls, Lions international and state conventions, and fundraisers. She was an active member and volunteer for Our Lady of Fatima Church in Elizabeth, and was co-chair for Our Lady of Fatima Seniors Club. She was also an active member of senior clubs at Blessed Sacrament, St. Anthony’s and St. Elizabeth’s of Linden, N.J.
She was also a member of the Portuguese Instructive Social Club in Elizabeth for most of her life, and a member of the Old Portuguese Youth in Elizabeth. She was also involved in The Deborah Heart & Lung Association, and St. Vincent de Paul Society.
Mary especially loved to spend time with her family, and loved to play bingo.
Due to the Coronavirus Pandemic, a private funeral will be held on Thursday, May 7, followed by interment in Mount Olivet Cemetery. A Memorial Mass will be held at a later date. Arrangements have been completed by Brazinski Funeral Home, Elizabeth.
Mary was predeceased by her husband, Nelson, of 64 years, and is survived by two daughters, Diane DeLuna of Lancaster, Pa., and Nancy Ingram and her husband, Mark, of The Woodlands, Texas, and two nieces, Theresa Veiga and Christine Grova.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations in her memory to be made to the Cure Alzheimer’s Fund through the red Donate link below. To share your comments or memories of Mary, see her memorial page at: www.Gatheringus.com (under Goncalves).