Mother of 14 children passes away on Mother's Day

THE GOAN NETWORK

CANACONA

A woman, mother of 14 children, passed away at the ripe age of 90 at Palolem on Sunday.

Martina Da Costa, wife of late Alexandre (Alcin Shet), had in the past received accolades from people from different walks of life for bearing 14 children, and was of late not keeping in very good health and memory. She died after a brief illness at her Palolem residence on Sunday morning.

She had mothered 14 children which includes 11 sons and 3 daughters with her toddy-tapper husband Alcin Shet, a feat prominently remembered in modern times as an exemplary achievement in the life of a woman.

Her eldest son Joshito, who was born two years after her marriage is now 73 years. Thereafter, she gave birth to 13 more children, whereas one of her daughter and a son did not survive beyond infancy.

She celebrated her life so uniquely and left the world on a day, which world marks as ‘Mother's Day, on May 8.

“Atanchea Bailank Dhonachea voir burgimnch naka zallear. (In present days, women don't want more than two children) anic government-akui tench zai nure (is it not also what the government wants?),” said a son.

“Our mother assisted our father despite difficult ground situations and also helped our father in his profession and would carry on her head liquor galloons walking long distances,” said the son.

Anotehr son informed that sons Joshito, Francis Xavier, Nicolaus, Ambrose, Albert, Antonio, Pedru, John, Agnel and the youngest Succoro went on to become successful in their lives, married and settled as well as their two sisters.

Family sources informed that presently eight children including two daughters are still living, as the family expanded with their kins married and settled.

According to family sources, Martina's funeral will be held at St Thereza of Jesus Church, Chaudi, at 3.30 pm on Monday.