Dionysia Francisca Oliveira

Dionysia Francisca Oliveira, age 63, of Stamford, Connecticut, passed away on February 7, 2026, after a long and courageous battle with medical illness complications.

Dionysia was born on December 10, 1962, in Bombay, India, the daughter of the late Denis and Julia Oliveira. She was known to family and friends throughout her life as Dinny. Dinny’s grit and resilience were evident from a young age. At only 6 years old, she courageously accompanied her younger brother alone on a flight from India to the United States as her family immigrated to begin a new life. A gifted student, Dinny graduated from Stamford Catholic High School and started college at the age of 13. She then graduated from the University of Connecticut at just 18, earning her Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering. She later returned to the University of Connecticut and earned her Master of Science in Civil Engineering, having begun her career with the State of Connecticut Department of Transportation, where she worked in the research division for 35+ years. Dinny greatly cherished her friendships from all over the world and was known for her devotion to staying connected, especially through her annual Christmas card mailings. More often than not, her card was among the very first received by those who knew her.

A wonderful storyteller, Dinny could vividly recall details of past events, including family history, often captivating her nieces with stories of their grandparents’ lives in India. An avid reader, she loved classic literature, with Gone with the Wind being a particular favorite. She also enjoyed old movies and television shows, with I Love Lucy holding a special place in her heart.

Dinny was a devout Catholic, and her faith was a source of strength and guidance throughout her life. She was a proud Godmother to Daryll Ramos and Maria Oliveira and Confirmation sponsor to Teresa Oliveira. As her mother’s health declined in later years, Dinny remained her primary caretaker, unwavering in her devotion and determination to bring her mother comfort and peace in her final months.

Dinny is survived by her brother, Joseph Oliveira, his wife, Ava Albrecht, her beloved nieces, Maria Oliveira and Teresa Oliveira, and her many aunts and cousins.

Family and friends will be received on February 22, 2026, from 1 to 4 pm at Lacerenza Macari Family Funeral Home, 8 Schuyler Avenue, Stamford, CT. A funeral Mass will be held at the Basilica of St. John the Evangelist, 279 Atlantic Street, Stamford, CT, on February 23, 2026, at 10 am. Burial will immediately follow at Queen of Peace Cemetery, 124 Rockrimmon Road, Stamford, CT.

Following the service, friends and family are warmly invited to gather at the home of Joseph Oliveira and Ava Albrecht to continue sharing memories and celebrating Dinny’s life.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Dinny’s memory may be made to Room to Read (roomtoread.org) or the Catholic Charities of Fairfield County (https://www.ccfairfield.org/)