Evelyn G. Gonsalves

Evelyn G. (Emerson) Gonsalves, 97, formerly of Cranston, passed away peacefully on March 31, 2024 surrounded by her loving family at the Respiratory and Rehabilitation Center of RI. She was born in Providence, RI to the late Frank and Katharina (Schmidt) Emerson.

She was married to the late Joseph A Gonsalves Sr. for over 50 years. Evelyn is survived by her loving daughter Kathy Anderson and husband Guy of Richmond, RI, and her loving son Joseph Gonsalves Jr. and companion Jeanne Maggiacomo of Warwick, RI. She leaves behind 8 grandchildren, 10 great grandchildren, 1 great-great grandchild, as well as nieces, a nephew, and cousins. Her family meant the world to her. She is also predeceased by her sister Dorothy (Emerson) Dwyer and Frank Emerson.

Her contributions in life started in the 1940’s when she worked in a factory sewing buckles and velcro on military equipment during WWII. She went on to work as a cook in the Cranston School District for many years. In addition to raising a family, she worked as a secretary at the RI State House and worked on several election campaigns. Later in life Evelyn spent much of her time to caring for her ill husband. 

Evelyn dedicated much of her life to volunteering and working with charitable and community-based organizations. Some of the organizations and groups she was proud of included Cranston Head Start, IOF, American Heart Association, SHARE Food Program, Edgewood Little League, and the Women’s Auxiliary, to name a few. She was also a long-time serving member on the Cranston Democratic Ward 1 Committee. Her profound desire to help people never stopped, even with age. She was a woman of faith and was a member of St Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Providence for 85 years.

Funeral Saturday at 9:00 AM from the Jones-Walton-Sheridan Funeral Home, 1895 Broad St. at Park Ave., Cranston, followed by a Funeral Service at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 445 Elmwood Ave., Providence at 10:00 A.M. Burial will be held at RI Veterans Cemetery, Exeter, RI

Calling Hours Friday 4:00-7:00 PM

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Parkinson’s Society or to St Paul's Evangelical Lutheran Church Providence. 

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