Conception Rezendes

Surrounded by her beloved family, Conception 'Connie' Margaret Rezendes passed away on January 10, 2026 in Newport, RI at the age of 94. Born on Nanaquacket in Tiverton, RI on February 15, 1931, Connie spent her early years growing up in Portsmouth, RI as the daughter of immigrant famers, Joseph Viera Anselmo and Mary Jo Anselmo. Her early years working on the family farm helped to define her strong work ethic and her love of plants and crafts of all kinds. After completing her education in Portsmouth at Anne Hutchinson and Anthony School, Connie spent many years working in the garment industry in Fall River and Warren. 

In 1954 she married Duarte Rezendes and built her home in Portsmouth, where she lived for most of her life. Connie was devoted to her family, spending countless hours cheering in the stands, clapping in the audience, sharing family stories, and opening her home to band practices and slumber parties. Her creativity and craftsmanship were evident in her many hobbies that included creating the elaborate wedding cakes of family members, baking and sharing loaves of Portuguese sweetbread, cooking delicious meals and sweets for friends and family, painting and creating ceramics, sewing, and her most prolific craft - crocheting and knitting. Many of her family, friends and caregivers cherish the afghans, baby blankets, hats, and mittens she made for them. She also donated hundreds of these items to veterans and the less fortunate. Connie also loved to travel and explore the world, whether it was early family road trips to Canada or later trips across the US, Europe, Hawaii and Alaska, Connie remained curious about the world throughout her life. Her later years she enjoyed volunteering at the Portsmouth Senior Center and in the Senior Center chorus and later were spent socializing with friends in the Portsmouth Atria and Tiverton Brookdale Communities.

Her greatest joy was her family, and she took pride in her two children and their families and her role as "Vavo". Connie leaves her two beloved children - her daughter, Sandy Rezendes and her son Kevin (Katie) Rezendes, her grandchildren Lindsey (Mark) Souza, Chelsea (Dave) Gleeson, Riley Hunt, Rebecca Rezendes, and Connor Hunt all of Portsmouth. She also leaves her close family of nieces and nephews and their children - all of whom cherished their fun interactions with "Ti Connie". She was predeceased by her husband Duarte Rezendes, her parents Joseph and Mary Anselmo and her sisters and brothers in law Mary (Frank) Linhares, Irene (David) Vincent, and Olinda (Benny) Gomes.

Her life was full and filled with love, humor, devotion, and an unapologetic strength and independence. She was a bright light and will be missed greatly.

Calling hours will be held at Connors Funeral Home, 55 West Main Road in Portsmouth, on Friday, January 16 from 4:00-7:00 pm and her funeral will be held on Saturday, January 17 with a Mass at 10:00am at St Anthony's Church, 2836 East Main Road, Portsmouth, followed by a burial at Trinity Cemetery, Portsmouth. All are welcome to attend and celebrate a long life well lived.