Maria De Lourdes Amado

Maria de Lourdes Lima Medina Amado, affectionately known by all as “Luta” or “Mama Luta”, was born on September 10th, 1932, on the island of Fogo, Cabo Verde. She was the daughter of Antonio Leão Medina and Alice Lima Medina. In Cabo Verde “Luta” was a homemaker, and an exceptional seamstress, known for her extraordinary craftsmanship. She married, Domingos Candido Amado, on June 25th 1958 following a long courtship. Together they raised 2 sons and 4 daughters.   The young family moved to Praia, Santiago in 1969 and later migrated to USA in 1992 to the neighborhood of Dorchester, MA. Once Luta arrived in Dorchester she held her first job outside the home and later went on to work in various factories, ultimately retiring in 2005.   After her retirement, Mama Luta dedicated most of her days to her favorite hobbies; anything sewing related. Mama Luta was well known for the craftsmanship of her traditional “renda” crochets, her “txapa-txapa” quilt; an intricate patterned blanket made of mostly repurposed scraps of fabrics woven together. In her dedication she has made multiple full bedding sets each taking up to 3 1/2 months. Mama Luta would spend hours meticulously cutting precise pieces of fabric and making design patterns. Luta would often gift the completed work of art to families – something that was cherished by all the lucky recipients. An avid church member, Luta was basically born in the church, and throughout her life she has partaken in all aspects of the church. Luta sang in the choir, taught Sunday school, served as a lector and an alter server during her youth lasting through old age. From her arrival to the USA back in 1992, Mama Luta frequented St. Patrick church, and was an active member of the community.   Mama Luta was the matriarch of her family and even though she had a mellow presence, she possessed a strong-willed spirit. Luta was a devoted journal writer, and would detail her daily occurrences every night. A music lover, Mama Luta would often sing to herself and those around her. Mama Luta was the designated Happy Birthday singer during all family celebrations. She will be missed during all future birthdays, but won’t be forgotten.   Mama Luta is survived by her husband of 63 years, Domingos Amado, the father of her children; Jose Adolfo Amado “Zé”, Benjamin Cibrão Amado “Cibrão”, Maria Alice Amado “Alicinha”, Teodora Amado, Maria  Das Merçês Amado “Mery”, and Teresa Maria Amado “Conchita”. She also leaves 17 grandchildren, 8 great-grandchildren, 2 sisters; Lucia Oliveira and Lucilia Monteiro, and 2 brothers; Adriano Medina, and Jose Manuel Silva, and many nieces and nephews.