Obituary of Katherine R. Fernandes

Katherine Elizabeth (Rose) Fernandes (“Kitty”), 92, longtime resident of Duxbury, passed away peacefully at home on April 22, following a long struggle with Alzheimer’s and a recent hip fracture. She was the beloved wife of the late Antonio M. Fernandes, Sr. and treasured mother of Diane F. Brown of Kingston, Antonio M. Fernandes, Jr., of Monponsett, and Kathleen J. Fernandes of San Mateo, CA. She leaves behind cherished grandchildren James and wife Suzanne Fernandes, Alicia and husband Julian Pollard, Antonio Fernandes, Kasha and Shaka Roseborough; great-grandchildren Marcus, Savannah, Linda, James, Quinn, and Caleb Fernandes, Julian and Gisele Pollard, Nadar and A’Janae Williams, as well as numerous dearly loved nieces, nephews and cousins. Katherine was born July 7, 1927 to Amos and Mary (Nugent) Rose of Boston. She was the sister of Inez Barrows of Brockton and Duxbury, Virginia Alves of Stoughton and Joseph Rose of Boston. She was predeceased by sister Mary Fernandes of Orangeburg, SC, and brothers Manuel, James, Phillip and Charles Rose of Boston. Coming from such a large family, Katherine shared a wealth of entertaining memories of adventures she and her siblings experienced when they were children. She grew up and attended school in Boston. Visits to her older sister Mary, then residing in Duxbury, led to Katherine meeting and marrying Antonio, brother of Mary’s now deceased husband Fidelis. Katherine and Antonio initially lived with Antonio’s parents, Manuel and Germana Fernandes, in Duxbury, next door to Mary and Fidelis, before building their own home, also next door. In this home, they would raise their family and share nearly 74 years of marriage before Antonio’s passing in March 2019. Their home was built in what became informally known as “Fernandes Hill,” due to four of Manuel and Germana’s sons marrying and building homes surrounding their parents' home. This provided a wonderful, loving family enclave, and an idyllic childhood environment with many cousin playmates for Antonio and Katherine’s children. Katherine was a congregant of Holy Family Church, Duxbury. She enjoyed events at Duxbury Senior Center, reading, jigsaw and crossword puzzles, sewing, and home decorating. She looked forward to movie outings, often preceded by lunch at her favorite Chinese restaurant. Antonio and Katherine often visited Plymouth waterfront, to watch the boats and enjoy the local seafood. She was artistically talented, creating likenesses of celebrities of the day, as well as fashion designs. Katherine especially loved cooking and baking. She created a warm, welcoming environment in which she shared great food, good conversation and her sense of humor with family and friends, while treating their children to a vast array of delectables, making her home a favorite destination. To this day, many recall the excitement they felt at the prospect of visiting Katherine’s kitchen years ago. She had a passion for animals, respecting and valuing the life of even the smallest creature. She opened her home and heart to a succession of dogs, all dearly loved (and spoiled). She especially cherished her faithful little Yorkie, Bojangles, who now seems lost without his best friend. Katherine liked to end her day with a long, relaxing walk through the woods with her dogs. Katherine was a loving and supportive wife to Antonio, often working alongside him, including on the Fernandes’ cranberry bogs, managing his bait and tackle shop, and handling bookkeeping for his landscaping service. Katherine worked briefly at Precision Electronics in Marshfield, then later provided caregiving services. She was dearly loved by those she cared for, and often stayed in contact with client family members long after the client’s death. Katherine was a loving, selfless, nurturing mother to her three children. She inspired and led by her example, and touched many lives with her warmth, kindness and generosity. She exemplifies a life well lived. Katherine will be missed, but held forever in our hearts. A private family burial will be held Tuesday, April 28 at Mayflower Cemetery, Duxbury. A Memorial Mass will be celebrated at a later date at Holy Family Church, Duxbury. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Katherine’s memory may be made to Cranberry Hospice, 36 Cordage Park Circle, Suite 326, Plymouth , MA 02360.