Izabel Cardoso, of Naugatuck, died peacefully on the dawn of Tuesday, October 27. She was 96 years old.

Born in a small village in the State of Pará, Brazil, one of seven children of Antônio Cazumba Santiago and Marieta Cardoso, she came from humble beginnings, but fate and hard work would soon take her to the seaside city of Rio de Janeiro, the newly built capital, Brasília, and, finally, the United States—where she lived in New Jersey, New York, and eventually settled in Connecticut.

She was a nanny, a housekeeper, a cook—and carried out any job she was given with skill and a sense of pride.

In addition to working in private homes, she was employed by the Naugatuck Cleaning Service, quickly rising to be cleaning crew leader, and for years was in charge of supervising the after-hours cleanup of the historic Lewis Engineering Company—a famous manufacturer of aircraft precision instruments.

It was rare to see Izabel not working. And equally impressive was how she chose to spend her earnings. She didn’t spend; she shared with nieces and nephews who sought higher education; with those who were suffering and needed expensive medication to heal. She bought a parcel of land—relatives laid their foundations; she built her mother a house with a terrace, shade, and comfort for her old age.

Brazilians from abroad who had no home could stay at hers. If they had no job, she would find one; if they were down on their luck—aromas from Izabel’s kitchen would brew.

Her smile was broad; she loved conversation. She loved Our Lady, the Lord, and the children she helped raise.

A strong cup of coffee, a circle of true friends, love and faith sustained her from beginning to end.

In Brazil, Izabel is survived by her sister, Justina Cardoso, and many loving nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by siblings Lúcia, Maria, Justina, Antônio, Francisco and Luíz. In the U.S., she leaves Ana, Maria, Nicole, and Ami MacDowell, as well as the true friends with whom she has shared a lifetime. We love you, Bel. Be at peace. We miss you already.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, November 2, 2026, at 10 am at Our Lady of Fatima Church, 2071 Baldwin St., Waterbury. Interment to immediately follow at St. James Cemetery, Cross St., Naugatuck.