Obituary of Dayse Seixas Lopes

Remembering Dayse Seixas Lopes Dayse Seixas Lopes passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her beloved daughter, Patricia Azevedo Snow, and her beloved son-in-law, Jonathan Snow, in Edgewater, New Jersey on April 24, 2021 after bravely battling cancer. She will forever be remembered for her boundless energy, fierce spirit, immense smile and faith in God. Dayse was born on April 8, 1958 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil to Dea Ananias Seixas e Jose Seixas Lopes. From an early age, Dayse loved cooking and eating good food, even earning the nickname “Minha Gordinha (my fatty)” from her adoring family. As a teenager, however, she grew tall and thin and earned a new nickname: “Olivia Palito (Olive Oyl),” which she didn’t like very much but tolerated because it was the creation of her silly and much-loved three siblings, Dirce, Dilson and Gloria. It was clear from a young age that Dayse had a big heart, a big spirit and a big personality, and was the child who made the most work for her mother with her boundless energy and strong opinions. When she played with other children, she was always the leader — setting the rules of the game and having fun bossing others around. It was something she carried through her whole life, but the people who loved her never minded because Dayse was almost always right. In high school, she had lots of friends and even helped create a folkloric dance group. Dayse’s love of dancing extended throughout her entire life and when her favorite song came on, there was nothing that could stop her feet from moving to the beat. Dancing was just another expression of the immense joy and love of life she brought to every chapter of her story. In 1985, she met her husband, Joao Azevedo Filho, who instantly fell in love with her gracefulness and joy. They married six months later and welcomed two beautiful children, Bruno and Patricia. Dayse’s children were the light of her life and there was nothing she would not do to protect and care for them. She taught them everything she knew, from how to dance and prepare delicious meals to how to stand up for what you believe in, even when it is difficult. She shared with her children her love, deep faith in God, and her strong moral compass. She also became a beloved aunt to her nieces and nephews. In 2007, Dayse moved to the United States with her husband and daughter in search of new opportunities and a brighter future. She approached the challenges of living in a new country and learning a new language with her characteristic courage and humor, first living in Florida before moving to New Jersey. She worked as a beloved nanny, caring for children and loving them as if they were her own. Her funny, playful personality was adored by the children she cared for, who could spend hours and hours playing with her and never get bored. Her sense of humor was incredible and she always had a silly joke or a funny face to brighten everyone’s day. Dayse also stood up for what she believed in and wasn’t afraid to speak out when she saw injustice or someone being mistreated. She was always willing to help others and would roll up her sleeves and jump in right away to make it happen. Her bossiness came in handy on many occasion, and while she was very sweet, she was also fierce and strong. Dayse also loved to celebrate the special moments and milestones of the people she loved. She was always willing to organize a gathering with family and friends, and her cooking was out of this world. Her signature dishes would be gobbled up at lightning speed and her cakes made every birthday special. There was nothing she loved more than presiding over a big, happy gathering of people she loved as they talked, ate and danced together long into the night. She was a loyal friend to many who could always be counted on. The last years of Dayse’s life saw her battle several serious health challenges, including an anoxic brain injury, COVID-19 and cancer. But she never gave up, remaining a symbol of perseverance and faith to all those who loved her and beginning each day with her beautiful smile even when many difficulties lay ahead. Before her passing, she had the opportunity to go back to Brazil and meet her granddaughters, Perola and Lorena, whom she loved with all her heart. Although she had been very ill before that trip, she summoned all of her strength and energy to enjoy long days at the beach and bright nights under the fireworks with her beloved family around her, including a midnight kiss on New Year’s from her husband, who says theirs was a great love story that lasted a lifetime. Dayse’s love of life, faith in God and boundlessly joyful spirit will live on forever in the people she loved and who had the blessing of crossing her path. She is survived by her siblings, Dirce, Dilson and Gloria; her husband, Joao; her children, Patricia and Bruno and their spouses Jon and Kamila, and her granddaughters, Lorena and Perola. Visitation services will take place on Wednesday, April 28, 2021 from 9 AM to 12 PM Noon at Konopka Funeral Home, 9046 Palisade Ave, North Bergen, NJ with no more than 50 people present at one time. Masks and social distancing are required. Visitation services will be followed by Interment Services at Hoboken Cemetery 5500 Tonnelle Ave, North Bergen, NJ 07047. Guests are welcome at both services.