Olinda Calista

Olinda Clemente Andrade Calista, 88, of Worcester, formerly of Rumford, RI, passed away due to  the physical and cognitive progression of Parkinson’s Disease (PD) on Wednesday, February 10, 2021 in hospice care in Worcester.  Her beloved husband, and constant companion, of fifty-two years, Joseph Q. Calista, predeceased her in 2008.

Olinda is survived by her loving daughter, Joanne L. Calista and her partner Tuyet Tran of Worcester; two sisters, Olga Veloso wife of the late David Veloso of Pawtucket, RI, and Susana (Sue) Laroche wife of the late Roland Laroche of Narragansett, RI; a beloved aunt in Portugal, Lucrecia Clemente (with whom she maintained a 50-year international correspondence); cousin Fernando Andrade, wife Joanne; sisters-in-law Mary Calista, wife of the late John Q. Calista, and Doris Calista, wife of the late James Q. Calista.

Olinda was born in Cumberland, RI, the daughter of the late Antonio Augusto Andrade and Maria Clemente Andrade who came to the U.S. from Portugal.  She was predeceased by her grandparents, Joao and Mariana Clemente, who were influential in raising her along with her mother and father. Olinda grew up in Central Falls, RI with her close-knit family and worked beside her parents at their family grocery store.  Following her marriage in 1956 to Joseph, she moved to East Providence, where they had a family and where she lived until 2016, when she moved to Worcester.

Olinda was an English Language Learner (Portuguese) and went on to graduate from Central Falls High School.  Olinda was the first person in her family (of either country) to attend college.  Olinda was accepted to Brown University (Pembroke College) early admission where she earned a bachelor’s degree in Political Science. She continued working toward a master’s degree at Rhode Island College, while working as an elementary school teacher in East Providence. Olinda possessed a keen intellect, yet was humble, and frowned upon any display of pretension.  She was ahead of her times in many ways.  Olinda valued all people, welcoming her daughter’s diverse racial, ethnic, LGBTQ friends and colleagues, into her home, and, into her life. She believed in educational equity and was a volunteer for many years with Literacy Volunteers of America, assisting English Language Learners to read and write.

Olinda loved spending time with her family, particularly time spent with her sisters. She was an avid reader and enjoyed studying government.  Much of Olinda and Joseph’s courtship, which began after his service in WWII, was spent attending political rallies, with a honeymoon in Washington, D.C. Olinda loved to travel and was able to tour Europe extensively with Aunt Lucrecia, and, later with her husband and daughter.

Throughout her life, Olinda bore several medical challenges, yet did so with dignity and a quiet elegance, always wanting to be “productive” and contribute to the wellbeing of her family and others. She was active in the RI Chapter of the American Parkinson’s Disease Association. Olinda’s wish to make an anatomical donation (her brain) for the advancement of Parkinson’s Disease research, was achieved through the efforts of Dr. Joseph Friedman, Director, Movement Disorders Clinic at Butler Hospital, Brown University Medical School and Stephen Gemelli of Mercadante Funeral Home.

When their daughter Joanne came to live and work in Worcester, Olinda and Joseph were always in the mix: Whether it be spending countless hours sharing meals and laughter at Forest St. or participating in community events such as APW’s Walk for Life, the Center for Non-Violent Solutions’ Annual Meetings, Better Endings events, helping their daughter “prepare” her home for the Homeless Outreach and Advocacy Project’s (HOAP) holiday party, or attending Handel’s Messiah at Mechanic’s Hall.

Olinda (with “navigational” assistance from her daughter) supported her husband through his prostate cancer treatments and cared for him in their home until his death.  Despite this devastating loss, she continued with her life, supporting others with PD and spending each weekend in Worcester.

In 2016, Olinda moved to Worcester to be closer to her daughter and was welcomed by the Briarwood Community where she actively participated in life and “ongoing learning,” ranging from attending art lectures and exhibits, exercise groups, and, of course, delicious meals with her beloved “associates” who supported Olinda, even as her PD progressed and communication became more challenging. Olinda’s family is extremely grateful to the Briarwood Community (in particular, to Daria Meshenuk, who continues to provide support and kindness).

Olinda’s family would like to recognize and express deep gratitude to Anne Laverty, friend and caregiver, who supported Olinda in continuing her creative and productive journey, exploring the beauty and culture of central Massachusetts.

Olinda’s family would also like to thank the compassionate and expert care of Dr. Jerry Gurwitz, Dr. David Sommer; Dr. Jennifer Reidy, Chief of Palliative Care at UMASS Memorial Health Care (UMMHC); the UMMHC 3-East staff; and Dr. David Jung, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Institute (who restored her hearing).  Joanne would also like to thank the Center for Health Impact’s Staff and Board who supported her, with flexibility and kindness, through both her parents’ “final chapters.”

Ahead of her time in many ways, Olinda will be missed deeply by her daughter and by the many lives she touched throughout the years.

Services will be held on Saturday, March 6, 2021 from 12:00 Noon until 3 PM in MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation Street, Worcester.  There will be a Celebration of Her Life in the Spring; the date and time will be announced.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Center for Health Impact’s educational scholarship fund for English Language Learners, the Briarwood Resident Assistance Fund, or to the National Association of Community Health Workers’ education fund to support CHW education related to the care of persons and caregivers with PD and related conditions.

Social distancing and the use of face masks will be practiced at the funeral home.