Obituary of Helen Magdalene Fernandes

Helen Fernandes passed away on March 18, 2022, at the age of 81, in her home at Saint Joseph's Residence in Dallas, Texas. Her battle with serious medical issues in recent years showed her courage in facing life challenges with a smile, always blessing those around her and expressing gratitude and affection. She was born November 2, 1940, in Goa, India to Romao and Claudina Rodrigues. In her youth, she was a star athlete in running and field hockey. She was a well-known public speaker in the community, encouraging students, couples, churchgoers, and those close to her. She was an elementary school teacher for 35 years at The Indian School, Kuwait, and continued to speak fondly of the children she taught. She impressed upon her sons the importance of education, discipline, and resilience. She led her family in daily prayer. She is truly the matriarch of the family. Her sweet, yet strong will carried the family through tough times even while they were spread across two continents. She is survived by her four sons and their spouses; Desmond & Leslie, Alroy & fiancée Dawn, Pierre & Sherol and Melvyn & Jill Fernandes; three brothers, Cyril, Charles, and Fr. George Rodrigues, her sister Dora D'Silva, eighteen grandchildren, and many cousins, nephews, and nieces. She is preceded in death by her husband Dominic, daughter Bernadine, parents Romao & Claudina, brother Louis, and sister Perpetua. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Saint Joseph's Residence at https://www.facebook.com/StJosephResidence or mail a check to Saint Joseph’s Residence, 330 West Pembroke Avenue, Dallas, TX 75208, where she has been loved and cared for during the past three years. Please email alroyfern@gmail.com to let the family know about your donation. Thank you!