Ema Barros Bala died on February 18, 2026. Beloved mother and grandmother. She is also survived by extended family and friends.

Ema was born on February 1936 in Brava, Cape Verde, to Leocadia Barros and Belmiro Bala. She later traveled to Dakar, Senegal, where she began building her legacy. Ema spent some of her years in France before eventually making her way to Boston, Massachusetts. Building the life that became the heart of her family’s story.

Ema showed love through her cooking, always feeding anyone who walked through her door. She enjoyed traveling, watching Family Feud, completing word search puzzles, and playing the slot machines at the casino.

She was a grandmother not only to her 16 grandchildren and 29 great-grandchildren, but to everyone who needed one — welcoming all with open arms and if you were lucky, she would “talk her mess” in that loving, playful way that made everyone laugh.

She leaves behind her six beloved children, Anne Depina, John Depina, Geselina Depina, Solange Depina, Natacha Sanon and Jacques Sanon — along with a large circle of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, family, and friends who will forever cherish her memory.

Her love built generations. Her laughter filled rooms.

Her legacy will live on in us all.

Visitation will be held at the Dolan Funeral Home, 1140 Washington Street, DORCHESTER LOWER MILLS on Thursday, March 5th from 5-8PM.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Saint Patrick Church, 400 Dudley Street, ROXBURY on Friday, March 6th at 10AM. Interment at Cedar Grove Cemetery. Relatives and friends invited.