Obituary of Alzira (Lopes) Bettencourt

Alzira (Lopes) Bettencourt, 83, of Peabody, wife of the late Manuel J. Bettencourt with whom she shared 58 years of marriage, died at her home with her family at her side on Thursday, May 10, 2012. Mrs. Bettencourt was born in Peabody on January 3, 1929 daughter of the late Alberto and Alzira (Andrade) Lopes. At age 2, following her mother’s death her family moved to Gauveia, Portugal and returned to Peabody 12 years later. She finished her studies in Peabody, residing in the city for the rest of her life. Mrs. Bettencourt was a loving mother who devoted her life to creating a home for her family. She enjoyed attending and supporting her children and grandchildren in their sports activities. In the past few years she was so proud of her great grandchildren whom she adored. Mrs. Bettencourt was a well known member of the Portuguese Community in Peabody, and supported the Peabody Little League, Peabody Pop Warner and Peabody High School Football Boosters. Mrs. Bettencourt is survived by her 8 children and their spouses, Manuel Bettencourt Jr. and Kathleen Bettencourt, Edward and Barbara Bettencourt, Dan and Donna Bettencourt, Tommy and Patty Bettencourt, Robert and Jennifer Bettencourt, Lisa and Larry Leavitt all of Peabody, Dave and Sandra Bettencourt of Salem NH, and John and Jenni Bettencourt of Stoneham; 4 sisters, Lucinda Almeida and Carmelita Marques both of Peabody, Ascencao Marques and Doriett Pacienca both of Portugal, 21 grandchildren, Mark, Michael, Ted, Karin, Kevin, D.J., Katie, Jim, Jacki, Janine, Kristen, Brian, Justin, Joshua, Jordyn, Bobby, Alexa Bettencourt, Julie Broughton, Jenn, Jim and Steven Leavitt; 11 great grandchildren; a sister-in-law, Lorraine Lopes and brother-in-law, Thomas Coito both of Peabody; her devoted caretaker and loyal family friend Bobby Mello of Peabody, and many nieces and nephews. Her siblings, Antonio, Americo, and Albert Lopes, and Maria Coito and also her brothers-in-law, George Almeida, Manuel Marques, Fernando Marques and sisters-in-law, Maria Lopes and Irene Lopes predeceased her. Her funeral will be held on Tuesday, May 15, 2012 at 9:45 a.m. from the Conway, Cahill-Brodeur Funeral Home, 82 Lynn St., Peabody followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. at St. Thomas the Apostle Church, 260 North St., Salem. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited. Visiting hours are Monday, May 14, 2012 from 4 to 8 p.m. at the 82 Lynn St., funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made in Mrs. Bettencourt’s name to Hospice of the North Shore, www.hns.org ,75 Sylvan St., Suite B-102, Danvers, MA 01923. Burial in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Salem. Please visit www.ccbfuneral.com for directions, online obituary and memorial guest book.