Connie Veiga

Connie (Maria da Conceição) Veiga, 79, died peacefully on February 20, 2024, following a battle with Alzheimer’s Disease. She was born on April 29, 1944, in Reguengo Grande, Portugal, to the late Alexandrina and Armando Machado. She is predeceased by her brother Luís Machado. Known as “Mariazinha” to her friends and family (“small Maria” because of her diminutive stature), Connie was a loving wife to the late Mário Veiga until his passing in 2017. Together, they immigrated to the United States in pursuit of a life of opportunities in which to raise their family. After several years of living in Pawtucket, RI, during which time they both became naturalized citizens and obtained their GEDs, they settled in Seekonk, MA for the remainder of their 48 years of marriage. Connie spent her entire working career at Texas Instruments and subsequently at EMS in Attleboro, MA, where she made many friends and excelled in Quality Assurance roles throughout the plant’s manufacturing lines. Outside of work, she enjoyed cooking and hosting family for celebrations at home, belonging to and performing with União Portuguesa Beneficente’s adult choir Coral Herança Portuguesa, and participating in events and dinners at both UPB and Grupo Amigos da Terceira; two Portuguese heritage clubs in Pawtucket, RI where she maintained a membership and forged lasting friendships. Besides her smack-talking, fiery disposition and always on-point jewelry, she is remembered for her hearty laugh, her love of singing and family, and her love of telling (often dirty) jokes. Even with two replacement knees and rheumatoid arthritis, she also loved dancing and would suffer the consequences for the sake of shaking what her Mama gave her on the dance floor. She leaves behind her two daughters, Andreia (Dennis) and Dalila (Chris), her granddog Bennett, her sisters-in-law Carmel, Suzete and Delminda, her godson Jonathan, her niece Helena and grandniece Erika who were so helpful and caring throughout her disease progression, as well as countless nieces and nephews. Connie will be cremated in accordance with her wishes, after which she will be reunited with Mário at Gate of Heaven Cemetery in East Providence, RI. A private celebration of life event will be held in her honor for her family and friends. In lieu of flowers, please consider planting a tree in Connie’s memory through A Living Tribute (https://shop.alivingtribute.org/) or donating in Connie’s name to one of the following organizations: The Alzheimer’s Association (https://www.alz.org) União Portuguesa Beneficente, 134 Benefit Street, Pawtucket RI 02861 (make checks payable to “UPB” and add “Veiga Donation” in the memo line)