FERNANDA MARIA (AMARAL-RAPOSO) COUTO

COUTO, FERNANDA MARIA (Amaral-Raposo) 89 of Coventry, passed away on Saturday, June 6, 2026 at the Respiratory and Rehabilitation Center of RI surrounded by her loving family.She was the beloved wife of Manuel B. Couto for 66 years. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and woman of deep faith.

Born in São Miguel, Azores, Portugal, she was the daughter of the late Francisco and Maria do Rosario Amaral-Raposo. Fernanda and Manuel immigrated to the United States with their young son, Manny. After a brief stay in Massachusetts, they settled in West Warwick, Rhode Island, in the spring of 1963. Just two months after arriving, they welcomed their second child, beginning a new chapter of their American dream.

Four years later, the family moved to Coventry into the home her husband built with his own hands using self-taught carpentry skills. There they raised their children and created a home filled with love, faith, discipline, and family traditions. Fernanda took tremendous pride in her home and family. Saturdays were devoted to cleaning, whether the house needed it or not. Her attention to detail became legendary among family and friends—from carpeting the garage floor beneath the family car, to teaching the family dog to wipe its paws before entering the house, to having an outdoor washing station built near the garden to keep dirt from being tracked indoors.

A woman of unwavering faith, Fernanda prayed the Rosary faithfully, often two or three times each day. Her devotion to God guided every aspect of her life and served as an example to all who knew her.

After becoming a proud American citizen, Fernanda worked for several local companies, including Concordia, Leviton, and the position she treasured most was at Scott Laboratories in West Warwick, where she advanced to take on the role as lead person. She loved her work, her coworkers, and the friendships she built during her years there. After teaching herself to speak, read, and write English, she became known for her quick wit, warm personality, and ability to make even the longest workdays enjoyable.

In retirement, Fernanda found joy in caring for others. She was famous for her homemade sweet bread and her chicken soup, often delivering it piping hot to family members, friends, and neighbors in need of comfort. Whether caring for loved ones during illness, offering prayers, or simply lending a listening ear, she was always there when someone needed her.

Fernanda is survived by her daughter, Anne M. Harris, widow of the late Bruce E. Harris, Jr.; daughter-in-law, Ana Isabel dos Reis-Couto, widow of her late son, Manuel F. Couto; and five cherished grandchildren: Stephanie Sirignano of Greenville, Nicole Elliott (William) of Coventry, Justin Hodde (Kelsy) of North Attleboro, Daniel Couto of Coventry, and Elena Couto of West Warwick. She also leaves behind the greatest joys of her later years—her eight beloved great- grandchildren, whom she proudly adored as a “Vis Avo”  to Aiden, Callie, Colbie, Anabela and Mason Manuel Elliott, Mila Sirignano, Kaylee and Kal Hodde. Fernanda also leaves behind many nieces and nephews and her loving Goddaughter Gloria Bancroft (Faria).

Fernanda is survived by her sister, Margaret Faria (Antero) of West Warwick, and her brother, John Raposo (Ana) of Port St. Lucie, Florida. She was predeceased by her beloved siblings Aida Terceira, Francisco Amaral, Jose Amaral, Louis Raposo, Manuel Raposo, Antonio Raposo, and Paula Tavares, all of whom she spoke of with great love and admiration throughout her life.

Fernanda leaves an immeasurable void in the hearts of those who loved her. She will forever be remembered for her unwavering faith, her generosity, her devotion to family, her strong work ethic, and the love she freely gave to everyone fortunate enough to know her. Her family takes comfort in knowing that her faith never wavered and that she now rests peacefully in the presence of the Lord she served so faithfully throughout her life.

Visiting hours will be on Monday, June 15, 2026 from 8:45 am to 10:15 am in the Iannotti Funeral Home at MAPLE ROOT, 2000 Nooseneck Hill Rd. (Rt 3) Coventry, with a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 am in Saint Anthony Church, 1 Sunset Avenue, West Warwick 02893. Interment at Greenwood Cemetery in Coventry. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to the Catholic Charities USA (www.catholiccharitiesusa.org) would be appreciated.

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