Albertina Sousa Bettencourt

September 9, 1941 – November 17, 2023

Albertina Sousa Bettencourt was born on September 9, 1941, on the island of Sao Jorge, Azores, Portugal to Maria and Camillo Sousa. She passed away at home on the afternoon of November 17th surrounded by family. Albertina was the second of seven children born to Maria and Camillo. She is survived by five siblings: Ariel Teixeira (Caesar – deceased), Bernardette Dias (Porfidio), Jose Sousa (Floriberta), Lasalete Galvao (Jacinto), Gabriela Martins (Joao), her sister Eva Garcia (Eugenio) preceded her.

Albertina's life was one of challenges and joys. Albertina married the late Pedro Borges Fagundes (1936-1970) in 1962. The couple lived a modest life in the home Pedro built with his father in the village of Serreta, Terceira, Azores. Together they had six children, Floriberto Fagundes (Barbara), Maria Dinis (Jorge), Laurindo Fagundes (Caroline), Zilda Bosch, Domitilia Fagundes and Pedro Fagundes (Vanessa). Sadly, Pedro died in a tragic farming accident in the San Joaquin valley while he was in California alone, just weeks before Albertina would deliver baby number six. Life had many hardships, however, through the generosity of the Portuguese community and her father sponsoring the family, Albertina and her children immigrated to California in 1973. The family called Alameda home until 1986.

In the spring of 1986 Albertina met her life partner, Manuel Bettencourt. They were married just a few months later in July of 1986. This union introduced yet another son, Emanuel Bettencourt (Desiray), rounding out the count now at seven children. Manuel was literally by Albertina's side until the day she passed. Albertina had suffered from Alzheimer's for the past several years and Manuel was her caregiver. Before Albertina's dementia, the couple enjoyed traveling to their native Azores, enjoying many summers there visiting family and friends. Here in the US, they enjoyed camping with family or with friends at various festas throughout California.

Albertina leaves us quite a legacy with 21 grandchildren and 20 great grandchildren (and still counting). She taught us that although life is not easy, it is a gift and we should live it to its fullest. We will always smile and think of her when we look around at the beautiful, loud and loving family she built.

Family and friends are invited to join us for her services:

St. Joseph Catholic Church

1791 Marshall Rd

Vacaville, CA 95687

Monday, December 4, 2023

Viewing 11AM

Rosary 12PM

Funeral Mass 1PM