Obituary of Eduarda Resendes

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Eduarda Resendes, a woman of unparalleled love, dedication, and warmth. She left us on June 14, 2024, surrounded by her loving family in her home in Hillsborough, NC, leaving behind a legacy of compassion and an unyielding commitment to the happiness and well-being of those she loved.

Born on November 15, 1947, on the Island of São Miguel in the Portuguese Azores, Eduarda was a beacon of light to everyone who knew her. Her life was a testament to the power of love and the importance of family. She had an extraordinary gift for making people feel valued and comfortable, and her home was a sanctuary of warmth, impeccably clean and meticulously maintained, reflecting her dedication to creating a space where her loved ones could feel at ease and cherished. Eduarda’s love for the color yellow was a beautiful expression of her sunny disposition; she often wore lemon-colored scarves, stepped into spring in a happy lemon dress, and favored bright yellow roses above all flowers.

Eduarda went to school in Fenais da Luz and worked at the local clinic, Clínica do Bom Jesus, where she met her husband of 53 years, José Resendes, in 1968. They were married in São Miguel in 1971 and then immigrated to America shortly thereafter. After living in New Jersey for several years, they moved to North Carolina in 1986 with their four children. Eduarda worked for Environmental Services at Duke Medical Center in Durham with her husband, José, for 23 years before retiring in 2018.

Her greatest joy was found in family gatherings, where her laughter and loving presence would fill the room. These moments were the highlight of her life, bringing together those she loved most to share stories, laughter, and the simple joys of being together. She leaves behind a treasure trove of memories from these gatherings, each one a testament to her deep love for her family and her unwavering commitment to creating lasting bonds.

Eduarda also had a deep love of the Church and served as Eucharistic Minister at Holy Family Catholic Church in Hillsborough for over a decade. She felt a special affinity for Saint Francis, who is known for his humility, his devotion to poverty, and his profound respect for nature and animals. His values resonated deeply with Eduarda, who admired his simple and compassionate approach to life and sought to emulate his spirit of kindness and service in her own life.

Eduarda is survived by her husband, José Resendes, daughter, Nelia Cooper (married to Baskin Cooper), two sons, Francisco Resendes (married to Cindy, children Felicity, Cisco, and Valentina Resendes) and John Resendes (married to Jordan, children Lisbon, Sloan, and Drake Resendes), and siblings Evangelina DaCosta, Mercedes Viveiros, Connie Horton, José Teixeira, and Grace Couto, as well as 26 nephews and nieces. She is preceded in death by her beloved daughter, Dina Resendes, parents Francisco José Teixeira and Evangelina DaCosta Teixeira, and siblings Guilherme Teixeira and Francisco Teixeira.

Her absence leaves a void that can never be filled, but her spirit will live on in the hearts of those who were fortunate enough to know her.

Visitation for Eduarda will be at Walker's Funeral Home in Hillsborough from 6:00PM to 8:00PM on Friday, June 28, 2024.  A funeral mass will be at 11:00AM on Saturday, June 29, at Holy Family Catholic Church in Hillsborough, followed by the burial at 12:30PM at Alamance Memorial Park in Burlington, NC.

Rest in peace, dearest Eduarda. You will be forever missed and eternally loved.