SAINT PETERSBURG, FLORIDA - It is with profound sadness and heavy hearts that the family of Mrs. Delfina (Alves) Castanheira, age 94, of Saint Petersburg, Florida shares the news of her peaceful passing on Wednesday, May 13, 2026 in Longwood, Florida. Delfina was the beloved widow of Mr. Antonio Castanheira, with whom she shared 64 loving years.

Delfina was born on November 29, 1931, in Zimao, Portugal, the sixth child of the late Jose and Felismina Alves. Delfina was a devoted family member whose love for her family was profound and unwavering. As a loving mother, sister, grandmother, and even great-grandmother, she brought joy and warmth to the lives of those around her. Delfina had a nurturing spirit that shone brightly through her many passions. She enjoyed the art of sewing, the serenity of gardening, the joy of cooking, and the thrill of travel, each of which she embraced with creativity and enthusiasm. Delfina’s kind heart and vibrant spirit will be deeply missed by all who knew her. Her legacy of love and connection will live on through her family and friends, who carry her memory with them.

Left to honor and cherish her memory, are her two sons; Joseph Castanheira and his wife Ruth and Thomas Castanheira and his wife, Cindy, her grandchildren; Tommy, Brian, Jennifer, Amy, Lisa, and Kevin, her great-grandchildren; Austin, Ashlyn, Kaelyn, Isabella, Hudson, Isla, and Tasos, as well as her youngest sister, Alzira Gomes. Delfina also leaves behind many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends. Besides her parents, Delfina was predeceased by her loving husband, Antonio Castanheira, as well as her four sisters and her brother.

Funeral Services for Mrs. Castanheira will be held on Tuesday, June 9th, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. when a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Our Lady of Fatima Church, 2071 Baldwin Street, Waterbury, Connecticut 06706. All those planning to attend are kindly asked to meet directly at the church. Burial will follow in All Saint’s Cemetery, 203 Spring Lake Road Waterbury, Connecticut 06706. Casey’s Eastside Memorial Funeral Home and Cremation Care 1987 East Main St Waterbury CT has been honored to care for and support Delfina’s family during this difficult time. In this time of reflection, the family welcomes all who knew and loved Delfina to share messages of condolence, comfort, and cherished memories. In honor of Delfina’s memory, donations can be made to Saint Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place Memphis, TN 38105. Please visit the funeral home's tribute page at www.caseyfunerals.com to connect with the family or honor their loved one’s memory with floral arrangements.