Geraldine, daughter of the late Mr Antonio and Mrs Catarina Fernandes, was born on 1st Nov 1945 in Nairobi, Kenya and died Oct 1, 2015 after succumbing to a long illness. She was the third of four siblings and was deeply cherished for the love, joy and happiness she brought to the whole family.

Geraldine started her schooling at Saint Theresas and then went on to complete her education at the Dr Riberio Goan School. She worked for the Standard Bank in Nairobi as a telephonist and later moved into their foreign exchange department. During her time as a telephonist she was coaxed by her work colleague to ring me at home. When the call came I was wholly taken by her beautiful, soft, gentle voice. After a few weeks of long telephone conversations our relationship started to bond and we both agreed to meet. I couldn't believe how beautiful she was with her lovely long hair and shy smile. The rest is history and Geraldine was to be the best part of my life for nearly 52 years. We migrated to the UK in 1968 and were married in Sittingbourne, Kent on November 14, 1970. Being separated from her close family in Nairobi was difficult for Geraldine and she went into a depression. She made a good recovery but unfortunately this episode was set to repeat itself intermittently during her life.

In the UK she worked for several companies including Continental Oil, Modern Telephones, The Co op, International Life Insurance, Davis brothers solicitors and finally as a care nurse for Harrow council. Despite her challenges, she brought into this world our two lovely sons Kevin and Trevor in whom she instilled her qualities of love, compassion and kindness. She had a great affinity with the poor, elderly and was in her comfort zone with young children.

Geraldine was a workaholic and could not sit idle and if challenged she would always quote "time waits for no man". She was very artistic and loved knitting, decorating, gardening, housekeeping, dancing, singing and cooking. Her cuisine was second to none especially at Christmas and birthday parties. In the evenings she loved watching all the soaps and musicals on television. One of her favourite programmes was The Jeremy Kyle show.

During her lifetime she always found time to pray The Rosary, recite The Angelus and more recently The Divine Mercy Prayer, which Geraldine recited daily.

Geraldine always dressed very elegantly and made sure the children too were well groomed. She enjoyed holidaying in Goa and the village neighbours loved her for her generosity and kindness.

She leaves behind her grieving sons Kevin (Kerry Ann), Trevor (Natalie), two beautiful granddaughters Rhianna and Amelia who share most of her qualities and her sisters Clara, Bertha (Steve) and Valerie (Dominic) not forgetting me, her heartbroken husband and soul mate.

We will all miss her for the warmth and devotion she brought to the family as a wife, mother, grandmother, sister, daughter-in-law, mother-in-law, sister-in-law, aunt and a friend. Her ever smiling face and kindness will be in our memories forever. We have lost a diamond but heaven has gained a saint.

May her soul rest in peace. Amen.

By Wilfred (Dede) DeSouza, spouse

My family and I would like to thank all ex students of DRGS and Saint Theresa's for attending Geraldine's funeral. It was overwhelming to the whole family to see so many mourners turn up pay their final respects and farewell to her. Thank you for your cards, phone calls, emails, letters and personal visits which gave us great comfort at our saddest moments. I am sure Geraldine would have appreciated the farewell you all gave her.

Please remember her in your prayers.

May God bless you all

Dede and family XX