Roberta Annette Teixeira Obituary

A Life Well Lived, Roberta A. Teixeira’s Obituary

Roberta Annette Teixeira (Furlong) passed away in the early morning hours of April 20th. Robin (as she was known by friends and loved ones), was born in Chicago, Illinois on May 15, 1942, to the proud parents (Late) Robert Furlong and the (Late) Margaret Furlong (Wiggins). As a child Roberta’s family relocated from Chicago to Rensselaer, New York where she was raised with her siblings, all but, the youngest sibling have proceeded her in death: The (Late) Therese Furlong, the (Late) Frances Robinson, the (Late) Alice Furlong, the (Late) Barbara Carter, the (Late) Sheila Furlong, the (Late) Robert Furlong, the (Late) William Furlong , and Roberta’s youngest sister, Carol Mousseau who currently resides in Victoria, BC Canada with husband, Ted.

Roberta received her Bachelor of Arts from Boston University in Boston, Massachusetts as well as her master’s degree from Antioch Institution (within Harvard University). Throughout her career she received many accolades and awards for her extensive work. However, the great worth of this woman went far beyond her worldly accomplishments (which were many) but in the rare ability she had in making ANYONE who met her feel special, important and loved. Married to the love of her life, the (Late) Paul Silva Teixeira, their absolute pride and joy was their family. Her daughter and (Late) son-in-law, Kelly Lynne and Johnny Ray Tumlinson, of Kyle, Texas along with Roberta’s grandchildren: Matthew Silva DeCosta, Michaela Tama, and Joseph Grandville Richards. Roberta’s son, Gary Silva and his family – Flavia, and Roberta’s grandsons: Antonio Cruz, Alexander Paul and Ricardo Manuel Teixeira. Roberta was the very heartbeat of her family.

Roberta resided in her family home located in Brookline, Massachusetts. She had a successful career in Microbiology working at great medical institutions such as: Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, St. Elizabeth’s Hospital, Boston City Hospital, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary and prior to retiring she was the Clinical Director for Laboratory Services for the Department of Public Health.

In her free time, Roberta loved spending time with her family and friends. In the past, trips included visiting her (Late) niece Cheryl Reidy, husband Bill, spending time with the Reidy family, or traveling alongside her best friend Judy Bernice to places such as Hawaii. Roberta was an accomplished traveler who delighted in traveling to Portugal, Alaska, Cape Verde, Europe and visits to see her daughter, Kelly and beloved son-in-law Johnny in Texas. She had an extensive pottery collection, most of which was made by an artist exclusively for her. Roberta enjoyed Cape Verdean/Morna music, watching a good movie (or TV series), and baking desserts for her neighbors, Mark, Meredith, Kirstin and Brian (who really have been considered extended family members). Great memories were also made with close friend and honorary family member - Sherry Gould and her daughter Julie, along with the Gould family, priceless memories of years gone past.

Everyone who knew Robin was well aware of one of her “biggest” loves - Jasmine (otherwise known to everyone as “Jazzy”), the Frenchie her son Gary adamantly insists she “stole” from him. Jazzy had a very special place in Roberta’s heart, no dog has been better adored.

Roberta is survived by various family members, including nieces, nephews (and greats) all of whom she loved dearly. An interesting fact that may not be well-known with regards to Roberta is that her grandfather was Robert Gould Shaw Furlong, who was named after, Robert Gould Shaw, an American officer in the Union Army during the American Civil War. Born into a Boston upper class abolitionist family, he accepted command of the first all-black regiment (the 54th Massachusetts) in the Northeast. Supporting the promised equal treatment for his troops, he encouraged the men to refuse their pay until it was equal to that of the white troops wage. Major Wesley J. Furlong, (Roberta’s great grandfather) survived the battle, while Robert Gould Shaw did not. Major Wesley would later name his only son, Robert Gould Shaw Furlong, in honor of his commanding officer’s memory, ironically, he resided in the same town of Melrose as Roberta’s son, Gary and family,

Friends and family will all attest that Christmas time will ALWAYS be remembered as a time where Paul and Robin (on Christmas Eve), would open the doors of their home and welcome any and all who wanted to come enjoy good food and company, they believed that no one should spend the holiday alone. Much to their surprise (and the delight of all who attended) this became an annual event that continued to future generations. Roberta’s homemade Christmas cookie baskets (that she made sure all guests left with), will never be forgotten. Although Christmas will never be the same, one of Roberta’s favorite expressions (and a way to honor her memory), is for those who loved her, to live lives of “paying it forward” – by showing the same kindness and compassion to others that endeared Robin to all who knew her, in this way, the memory of Roberta’s life will co-exist in the lives of those who knew her – past, present and future.

There will be a visitation service for those who would like to pay their final respects to Roberta on Tuesday, April 30th, 2024 from 4pm-8pm at Bell-O’Dea Funeral Home in Brookline, Massachusetts, followed by a final viewing and funeral procession on Wednesday, May 1st, 2024 at 11:00am. Roberta will be laid to rest alongside her Late husband, Paul at Brookline’s Walnut Hills Cemetery. A luncheon “Celebration of Life” will be held for all wishing to attend at the Hilton Garden Inn’s Punch Bowl Restaurant, in Brookline Massachusetts from 1pm-4pm.

A special thanks to the staff of Life Care Professional Nursing Facility Centers of Nashoba Valley in Littleton, MA for the love, support and devotion they showed Roberta during her short period of time residing there. Our family will always be grateful.