Mercedes Teixeira passed away, peacefully at home surrounded by her family, on July 28, 2019.
Mercedes was born on April 24, 1939 in the Azores to Manuel and Isabel Bettencourt. In 1959, she moved from Sao Jorge, Azores to San Jose, California, where she met and married her husband George Teixeira of 56 years. Mercedes then moved to Watsonville, California where she was employed as a seamstress at Colshire of California. After her children were born, she chose to dedicate her time to them and became a homemaker. Mercedes was an avid gardener and had her own garden, which she cherished. Throughout the decades, she was involved with Our Lady Help of Christians Church. Mercedes donated her time decorating and making the floral arrangements for various events: holidays, weddings, funerals, and many festivals. She participated in the Fatima Festival for many years. She was an excellent cook and was known for “Mercedes’ Famous Cheesecakes”. Mercedes was an optimist, who was always willing to help family and friends in need.
Mercedes was preceded in death by her parents Manuel and Isabel Bettencourt; and her siblings Antonio Bettencourt and Lucia Bettencourt. She is survived by her husband George Teixeira; her 2 children Richard Teixeira (Magda), and Lucy Rodrigues (Manuel); 4 siblings: Manuel Bettencourt (Azores), Celeste Luis (Watsonville), Dennis Bettencourt (Wisconsin), and Albano Bettencourt (Watsonville); 5 grandchildren: Kayla, Jasper, and Niccolas Teixeira, Spencer and Phoebe Rodrigues, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. She will be deeply missed by everyone that knew her.
A Rosary and Mass will be held on Friday, August 2, 2019 at Our Lady Help of Christians Church at 10 am. Burial to follow at Watsonville Catholic Cemetery.
