A Life of Giving

  •   Thu, Jun 18 2026
  •   By Melissa Nazareth

June 18, 2026

Moving to the Gulf in pursuit of greener pastures has been a common trend among Mangalorean households since the mid-1970s. Many even landed successful jobs, which helped them uplift their families and communities back home. However, there are few, who while making a living, remembered to pay it forward.

Among them is staff nurse and midwife Felcy Dsouza, who completed 40-plus years of service in Bahrain in June. She returned to her hometown in Mangaluru this month after decades of serving the community in the kingdom. The philanthropist moved to the island in November 1985 after she was recruited by Bahrain Defence Force (BDF) Hospital, where she served for three years. She then took up a job at Salmaniya Medical Complex (SMC) – the island’s oldest and largest public tertiary hospital founded in 1957.

 

 

 

 

 

The single mother-of-two was a dedicated volunteer at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, dedicating her time to the Poor of St Anthony (POSA) and Parish Nursing Ministry, while also being a coordinator for the Konkani Nursing Ministry. During this time, she visited sick parishioners in hospitals and their homes, accompanied and assisted priests during prayers and the Anointing of the Sick, and provided care and reassurance to patients and their families. Additionally, she guided and supported expectant mothers as a midwife.

“My passion for social work grew through my experiences as a nurse,” the 66-year-old, said.

“While visiting patients, I often met individuals who were poor, lonely, or had no family members. Many would brighten up simply because someone took the time to speak with them and their gratitude deeply touched me,” she added.

“Seeing the struggles of the sick, the elderly and the underprivileged made me realise how much a small act of kindness can mean. This inspired me to pursue charitable and community work, including visiting hospitals, supporting those in need and participating in outreach programmes, including visits to prisons.

“As a nurse and midwife, I had the privilege of caring for women during one of the most important moments of their lives – the birth of their children. What touched my heart most was witnessing how expatriates supported one another through challenges such as homesickness, family responsibilities and life away from their homeland, creating a strong sense of community and belonging,” she remarked, nodding to the spirit of oneness among the Mangalorean diaspora in the Gulf region.

Felcy is one of the few ‘Bahraingaars’ who used her talents for the bigger good. What makes her story even more inspirational is that she did not allow her personal challenges to dampen her spirits. Recounting her journey, she noted how a visit to her aunt in the hospital after she had delivered her baby spurred young Felcy on to take up nursing as a profession.

“I was fascinated by the nurses in their white uniforms, caring for patients with warmth, kindness, and cheerful smiles. Nursing education at the time included three years of training and nine months of midwifery. After qualifying, I was posted to the maternity department at Breach Candy Hospital, Mumbai. Although I was initially apprehensive, I soon gained confidence and discovered a passion for caring for mothers and newborns,” said the St Agnes College and Fr Muller’s School of Nursing alumna.

Felcy was born and raised in Mangalore with three sisters and three brothers. She attended Capitanio High School in Kankanady. Sadly, at the age of six, she lost her father. Despite hailing from a middle-class family, her mother worked hard to raise her and her siblings and provided them with a good education.

“Despite facing challenges, we shared a happy and supportive family life. These early experiences taught me resilience, hard work and compassion. Kasht khadler, phol melta,” she remarked, reflecting her unshakable faith – a testament not just to her mother’s sacrifices but her own persistence.

Not one to hang up her boots, Felcy revealed her plans to continue volunteering even after retirement.

“I look forward to enjoying a well-deserved retirement and spending more time with my family. However, I believe retirement is not the end of service. I hope to contribute my skills and experience by volunteering with a suitable NGO and helping those in need, particularly in the healthcare field. I would also like to pursue some of my personal interests, including travel and exploring new places around the world. This next chapter of my life will be a balance of rest, service and new experiences,” she said.

 

 

 

 
By Melissa Nazareth
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Comment on this article

  • Rita, Germany

    Thu, Jun 18 2026

    Nice to hear of such people who are shining at he back as a star.May God bless her and give more strength to continue her social work.Even a good name to Alumni.Hope to hear more from other persons who do a lot of work and are not known to Public.


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