CURRENT CELEBRATIONS

Ilda Carvalho

RIVERSIDE – Many of us have experienced moments in our lifetimes when we have been told to “act our age.” When our behavior is perceived to be childish, we are told to behave in a way that is suitable for someone our age. As she advanced in years, Ilda Carvalho, 90 of Riverside, never acted her age, but, instead, lived in the moment and delighted in being a playful mischief maker. A naturalist, seeking to explore her backyard wilderness, Ilda had expertise in agricultural science, camping, and hiking. While she never published, Ilda’s innovative farming techniques, such as her ability to grow figs, roses, and strawberries from leaves and twigs, could have easily been reported in the leading agricultural science journals. On select nights, Ilda would gather family and friends around the backyard fire she had built, to share the light and to share a story. In lockstep with her family, Ilda hiked the Caminho de Santiago and embraced the Apostle Santiago. These abilities were only rivaled by her childish delight. Single puzzle pieces would mysteriously disappear, keeping a puzzle from being completed. Farms were traversed while riding in a wheelbarrow. High tea was enjoyed with an air of nobility. Age was a number for Ilda, not an expectation for behavior. With that number came an inspiration to never lose one’s sense of wonder. Ilda’s daughter, Margarida Pereira, son-in-law, Orlando Pereira, grandsons, Jorge Carvalho Pereira, Nuno Carvalho Pereira, and James Morgante, granddaughters, Ana Catarina Carvalho Pereira, Miah Dugan, and Denise Nguyen, family, and friends carry her love with them. Friends and family are kindly asked to attend a mass of Catholic burial on Friday, January 26, 2024, at 11:00am at the Jesus, the Good Shepherd Parish at St Joseph’s Church (805 Warren St, Beverly, NJ 08010). Calling hours are scheduled for Friday morning from 10:00 to 11:00am prior to the mass. Burial will be in Tremez, Portugal.