Branca Gregorio dos Santos

Branca Gregorio dos Santos, 87, passed away peacefully on Sunday, March 16, 2025. She was the beloved wife of Carlos Alberto dos Santos, 90, and lived at Brookdale Chatfield Senior Living in West Hartford for the last three years. Previously, she and Carlos were long-term residents of Rocky Hill. Branca was born on December 4, 1937 in Salir do Porto, Portugal, to the late Joaquim and Maria Gregorio. She is survived by her son Victor dos Santos and his wife Deborah, their daughter Chantelle, and siblings Arlinda Silva, Maria Marques, Jaime Gregorio, and Aida Ribeiro. She was predeceased by her other siblings Joaquim Gregorio, Jose Gregorio, and Irene Louro.
In 1958, at the age of 20, Branca immigrated to the United States. Having graduated high school in Portugal, she also completed evening studies while working at Connecticut Spring. She continued to date her high school sweetheart, Carlos, who later immigrated to Canada. Carlos subsequently moved to Connecticut and the two of them married in 1964. Branca had an accomplished career at Aetna Insurance from 1967 through 1994, where her last role was as supervisor of an accounting department. She won an Aetna President's Award during her tenure, and also taught English as a second language to other employee immigrants.
Branca was a long-time parishioner of Our Lady of Fatima Church in Hartford. The Lord and family were the center of her life. She was always up for a family gathering, even if it meant traveling to Florida or Toronto. Branca was known for making the best soups! She loved flowers and music, and even sang in public in her younger years. With her husband always by her side, Branca enjoyed traveling throughout the United States and Europe, even all the way to the North Pole! She had a peaceful joy for life, a patience that everything works out in the end. Her heart was pure; she loved without judgment.
The family would like to express their gratitude to the people at Brookdale and AccentCare Hospice for their compassion and care.
Calling hours will be Saturday, March 22, from 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at the Sheehan Hilborn Breen Funeral Home, 1084 New Britain Ave, West Hartford. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at Our Lady of Fatima Church, 50 Kane St, Hartford at 11:00 a.m. and burial will be at Cedar Hill Cemetery, 453 Fairfield Ave, Hartford. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Association (alz.org). To leave an online condolence please visit www.SheehanHilbornBreen.com.