Manuela (Couto) Teixeira of Whitman, MA, died unexpectedly with her husband and soul mate Franklin Teixeira, on the morning of April 3rd, 2016 in a tragic car accident. She was 51. Manuela's family emigrated from Ribeira Grande, Sao Miguel, Azores (Portugal) in 1976, when she was 12 years old, in search of the American dream. She grew up in Cambridge, MA and graduated from Cambridge Rindge and Latin School. At the age of 20, she married her childhood sweetheart, Franklin Teixeira, who was also from Ribeira Grande, Sao Miguel, Azores. They resided in Cambridge for many years and ultimately laid down their roots on the South Shore, where they became franchisees of two Dunkin Donuts locations in Rockland, MA. She truly loved her job, her employees and customers tremendously.
Manuela was a beautiful person throughout and was loved by all. She dedicated her life to being the best mother, wife, daughter, sister, aunt, and friend possible. She always gave of herself. She and her husband often traveled back to their homeland and to their vacation home in Florida, where they liked to relax and spend quality time together. Family and friends were always welcome. Manuela loved fruit, cheese, wine, gardening, and having fun with family and friends.
She is survived by her loving son Franklin "Frankie" Teixeira, Jr. Her favorite thing in the whole world was spending time with her son. Frankie is a fine young man and she was very proud of him. She is also survived by her adored beagle, Buddy.
Cherished youngest daughter of Luisa Couto and the late Jose Couto. Beloved sister of Sal Couto, Deodata Pascoal, Eduarda Santos, and Teresinha Medeiros. She is also survived by many nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, sisters-and-brothers-in-law, relatives and friends.
Family and friends are kindly invited to share remembrances with the family on Monday, April 11th from 4:00-8:00 p.m. at St. Anthony's Church (400 Cardinal Medeiros Ave., Cambridge, MA).
Funeral Mass to honor Manuela and Frank's life is on Tuesday, April 12th at St. Anthony's Church in Cambridge, MA at 10:00 a.m.
Please honor Manuela by making donations in her memory to the Alzheimer's Association, 480 Pleasant St., Watertown, MA 02472 or the MSPCA Angell, 350 South Huntington Ave., Jamaica Plain, MA .