Rita Mabel Alphonso was selfless, caring and kind to everyone she met. She could connect with anyone, and her quick wit and sense of humor brought smiles to all. Regretfully, she passed away at the age of 86, on April 10th 2022, in Austin, Texas, in the loving company of her son, Brian, and her daughter in law, Neisha. Mabel was born to Severin and Lily D'Cunha in Bombay, India. She completed a BA in Literature, and loved classical novels and plays. She would write thoughtful and emotive letters and cards, and would phrase them perfectly. After marrying Sam Alphonso, her husband, she moved to Kuwait, where she spent most of her life. In Kuwait, she raised her children and formed close bonds with her friends and neighbors. Mabel was lively and charismatic, and made every event that she attended and hosted a memorable one. She emphasized the importance of community, and was an excellent mentor.

Mabel was a keen gardener. Despite living in a harsh desert environment, she was able to maintain a beautiful, lush yard. She would grow vivid, brightly colored petunias, sunflowers and bougainvillea bushes around her house, creating the most welcoming front yard in the neighborhood. She loved animals and had a wide variety of pets, including dogs, parrots, rabbits and a tortoise. Mabel was incredibly creative, she would make her own candles using molds that she designed herself.

Mabel was passionate about her Catholic faith, and she made sure to make God a focus for herself and her family members. She prayed frequently and fervently, guided by the Holy Spirit. Mabel would pray with her family every time they came to visit. She made it a point to serve her community, through teaching Catechism to the youth, visiting mentally handicapped children, and regularly donating to the Catholic Church in Kuwait and in India. She touched the lives of many, through her dedicated service and her compassion for others.

Mabel's husband, Sam Alphonso passed away in Kuwait City on January 12th, 2020. Mabel is survived by her children and their spouses; Allen and Jackie, who live in Kuwait, Anita and Dean, who live in Denver, Colorado, and Brian and Neisha who live in Austin, Texas. She is survived by her grandchildren and their spouses; Alaana, Naiomi, Charles and his wife Rikki, Carina, Alexander, Andre, Ethan and Talia. She is also survived by her great grandchildren, Lilliana and Charles (IV). We would like to acknowledge Allen and Jackie for caring for Mabel in Kuwait after Sam passed away, and during the COVID pandemic. We would like to acknowledge Anju and Susan, Mabel's nurses, for assisting her at her home in Kuwait. We would also like to acknowledge Liz, Maria and Yolanda for assisting Mabel while she was in Austin.