In Loving Memory

Aspasia Povoas Ferreira Theisen was called to her place in God's Garden on August 2, 2025.  She passed away peacefully at Peace Health Hospital in Vancouver Washington.

She is survived by husband Paul Theisen and brothers Pojucan and Jaquare , sisters Iracema and Uyara and many nieces and nephews.

Early Life and Family
Aspasia was born on April 22, 1940, to Abidinack Vasconcelos Ferreira and Maria Da Conceicao Povoas Ferreira in the small village of Tapera de Baixo in the State of Maranhao, Brazil. She was the eldest daughter of a family of six children.  Additionally, there were adopted children in the home.  She helped raise and care for her siblings and the adopted children with care and motherly affection.

Aspasia and Paul were married in 1982 by a Franciscan Missionary at Monte Dourado in the Brazilian Amazon.

Education and Growth
Aspasia attended Catholic schools through high school and then joined the congregation of the Sisters of St. Joseph of St. Hyacinthe in Quebec, Canada.  Her religious name was Sr. Mary Joseph.

She earned a bachelor's degree in social services from the Federal University of Para, Brazil.  Additionally, she attended many professional conferences and training programs.

She had the ability to communicate in Portuguese, English, French and Spanish.

Professional Life and Achievements
Aspasia, then Sr. Mary Joseph started her career in social services in the Archdiocese of Sao Luis, Brazil.  She worked with poor families helping them improve their social and economic conditions.  Due to a family crisis, Aspasia left the convent to work so she could help support her family.

She also volunteered with a Brazilian Air Force program providing health care and support to indigenous villages in remote areas of the Amazon.

Aspasia went on to become Director of Social Services for Jari Forest Products a United States company that was establishing pulpwood plantations in the Amazon. She was responsible for the design and implementation of social services programs for company villages and forest labor camps.  Approximately 800 families and over 700 migrant workers participated in her programs.

When in Cape Verde, where Paul was working on a USAID Watershed Development Project, Aspasia provided technical assistance to the rural extension component of the Project.  She assessed the needs of rural women.  Then recruited and trained female extension agents to meet those needs.

Aspasia then became the Administrative Assistant for the Peace Corps program in Cape Verde.  She provided volunteers with administrative and logistic support.  Many times, she was the only Peace Corps staff person in the country.

After the Peace Corps, she worked at the US Embassy assisting Cape Verdeans with the preparation and translation of documents.

Family and Community
Aspasia and Paul made their retirement home in Vancouver Washington USA far from her beloved family in Brazil.  It was difficult for her, but she always maintained contact with her family to get the latest news.  She sent numerous Christmas and birthday cards to friends and relatives.  There were many WhatsApp calls and messages sent back and forth.

She became a much-loved member of her new United States family.  Family gatherings were always brighter with her presence.

Aspasia was active in the Catholic Church.  For many years, she was a Eucharistic Minister at Peace Health Hospital. She took Holy Communion to the sick and prayed with them.

For a very long time, she was a member of the Thursday Morning Bible study group at St. Joseph Church.  She considered them part of her family.

Personal Passions and Hobbies
Aspasia was a quilter. She enjoyed crafting quilt patterns and sewing with friends.

She had a love for flower gardening, especially roses.

She also enjoyed feeding birds and birding.  Her favorites were the Hummingbirds.

Hiking in the mountains, visiting waterfalls and picking huckleberries and mushrooms are some of our best memories.

Tributes and Reflection s
Words alone cannot fully capture a life's richness. Yet, in the reflection of those who knew her, Aspasia's spirit shines.

Linda, Aspasia's Michigan niece writes:

"When I think of Aunt Aspasia, I see a beautiful lady with a beautiful smile.  Aunt Aspasia brought so much joy into the lives of those around her, and she especially loved our dog, Cooper.

Even though Aunt Aspasia lived out of state, her love and thoughts were always with us.  I cherish the prayer cards she sent me over the years, especially the prayer of healing.  She will be deeply missed."

Kristi, Aspasia's Oregon niece writes:

"She may not have realized it, but Aspasia has been my heart guide since she first came into my life when I was a child.  Just by being her beautiful self she taught me through example to embrace others and lean into kindness.  She loved people.  She loved each of us.  Because of that we flocked to her.  Aspasia brought me peace, a sense of calm, and a centeredness that is hard to explain.  She also brought joy, vitality, and adventure.  The thing that I am most grateful for is the love she has for my Uncle Paul.  It was beautiful to witness always, but the most poignant was in the hospital when they told each other in both Portuguese and English that they loved each other. So simple. Love. That is what Aspasia is.  She is love."

These heartfelt tributes are a testament to enduring bonds and a life well-lived.

Farewell For Now
God's Garden has new beautiful flower.   We all wish that Aspasia's love, laughter, and comforting kindness were still with us. In our grief, let us also give thanks that God has blessed us with the presence of Aspasia in our lives.  Thank you for the gift of Aspasia.

I ask forgiveness from God and Aspasia for the times that I failed to love and comfort her as she loved and comforted me.

I pray that God gives me strength to live as if she were still with me.  I am confident that God and Aspasia will be with me always.

Peace and may God be with you, Aspasia

Services Will Be Held

On Monday, August 18th, 2025

St. Joseph's Catholic Church

400 S. Andersen Road

Vancouver, WA  98661

10:00 am Rosary

11:00 am Mass

Followed By a Reception in the St. John Bosco Room

Inurnment to follow at St. John's Cemetery

10770 NE Maitland Rd, Vancouver, WA 98686

(Corner of Maitland and 109th Street)

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Society of St. Vincent de Paul

www.svdpvancouverusa.org