Filomena Gomes, born April 12, 1937, passed away October 1, 2024, after suffering a major stroke. She was born and raised in Terra Chã, Terceira, Azores. She married Antone Gomes on January 21, 1961. They welcomed their first child, Berta, a couple of years later. In 1968 the family immigrated to America, settling with family in Arcata. She found employment with Lazio’s as a fish processor, a job she did for 15 years. She later worked for herself as a house cleaner. By the end of 1972 her family was complete with the birth of a son, Tim.

Filomena took great pride in being a member of the Portuguese community. She served on many festival committees, as well as helping in the kitchen. The last festival she served on was special to her, as she got to serve alongside her granddaughter.

She was also a devout Catholic and member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Arcata for 56 years. She proudly became a US citizen in the early 2000s. She traveled back to Terceira a few times to visit but always said America was her home. Until her memory started to fail her she enjoyed knitting, and was known to burn the phone lines catching up with friends. She enjoyed being a grandmother — even as her memory was failing her, she never forgot who any of her grandchildren were. She had a special bond with granddaughter Lydia and loved when she would come over and do her hair and nails.

She was preceded in death by Antone Gomes. She is survived by daughter Berta Davies (Kim) and son Tim Gomes (Deanne). Grandchildren Adam Davies (Kai),Lindsey Mason (Brandon), Grant Davies, Lydia, Eliot, and Oliver Gomes.

There will be a rosary and funeral mass at St.Mary’s church October 17 at 10 a.m. and a celebration of her life will be held at 3 p.m. at the Arcata Portuguese Hall.

###

The obituary above was submitted on behalf of Filomena Gomes’ loved ones. The Lost Coast Outpost runs obituaries of Humboldt County residents at no charge. See guidelines here. Email news@lostcoastoutpost.com.