Fernanda Xavier Esteves

(In lieu of flowers, please honor Fernanda by donating to the ALS Association, to fund their research for a cure.)

Fernanda was born on May 12,1964 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Born into a military family, she spent her childhood in Rio de Janeiro and other parts of the country. Fernanda attended the Universidad Federal do Rio de Janeiro and earned degrees in Social Work and Sociology. She met her husband, Eduardo Esteves, in 1987. They married under the beautiful views of the Rio Sugarloaf Mountain in 1992.

In 1993, Fernanda and Eduardo moved to Los Angeles, California. Their first child, Gabriel, was born April 8th, 1997; they moved to San Diego, California later that year. Their second child, Rafael was born September 3rd, 1999. Fernanda loved children and worked as a kindergarten teacher for several years. She was always gathering friends, baking for them, and sharing her kindness and relentless positive thinking. Fernanda’s strength, sweetness, resilience, and faith inspired everyone who knew and loved her. 

Fernanda also loved to travel. In their thirty-three years of marriage, Fernanda and Eduardo travelled alone and with their children to numerous destinations in Brazil, Central and North America, the Middle East, and Europe. She loved beaches, and ocean destinations most of all. 

Fernanda was a deeply devout woman, an instrument of our Lord, and a beautiful spirit. Her favorite saints were Our Lady of Fatima and St. Francis of Assisi. For years, Fernanda was an active participant in the St. Therese of Carmel parish community: she was a catechist in their Faith Formation Program, a member of the Healing Prayer Ministry, and participated in a Bible study group.  

Fernanda’s memories live on with her husband, Eduardo, her mother, Fernanda, her children, Gabriel and Rafael, and their partners, Lilli and María. Her legacy also lives on through all the  lives she touched with her unwavering friendship, love, and philanthropy.

FUNERAL MASS

To be held:  Friday, April 10th at 11am
St. Therese of Carmel Catholic Church
4355 Del Mar Trails Rd, San Diego, CA 92130

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