It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Etelvina Mateus, age 90, a beloved wife, mother and grandmother. Etelvina passed on April 16, 2025 in her home. 

Etelvina was born in Ponta da Faja Grande on December 9, 1934, to parents Jose and Eliza Furtado where she was one of eight children. Etelvina immigrated to the United States in 1966 with husband Joao (to whom she was married for 50 years) and daughter Maria where they created their new lives in Arcata.

Etelvina embraced God’s word and prayed daily for her family, friends and everyone else. She was a strong independent woman who enjoyed time with family and friends, gardening, cooking, baking, knitting, word seek puzzles and watching EWTN. But most of all, Etelvina loved her grandsons Jaime and Jeremy. They were truly the joy of her life. 

Etelvina is survived by her daughter Maria (Jim) Cacho, grandsons Jaime Cacho, Jeremy (Amy) Cacho, brother Antonio (Judite) Valadao, sisters Ines Furtado and Ema Freitas, brother in law Tony Furtado along with many nieces and nephews in California, Massachusetts and Flores, Azores.

She was preceded in death by her loving husband Joao Mateus, parents Jose and Eliza Furtado, brother Jose Valadao and sisters Maria Fraga, Teresa Silveira and Lucy Furtado, nephews Larry Valadao and Gabriel Furtado.

Services will be held June 11, 2025 at St. Mary’s Church at 11:00 AM with internment immediately following at Greenwood Cemetary.

A special thank you to Antonio and Judite Valadao along with Elizabeth Long for the care and many acts of kindness in her later years. You were there when she needed you most. To you and all of the other family and friends that were helpful and a part of her life, we are forever grateful.

She will be greatly missed by all that knew her. 

In lieu of flowers we ask that donations be made to St. Mary’s Church or the charity of your choice.

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