Zélia Jordão Emerenciano de Pontes lived a remarkable life filled with challenges and accomplishments, demonstrating her resilience through many trials. Born in Recife in 1936, she defied social expectations by rejecting an arranged marriage, choosing instead to marry her brother's driver, which led to a family of six children. Throughout her life, Zélia was a devoted matriarch, instilling deep faith in her children and naming her sons after religious figures and her daughters as symbols of her faith.

Her journey was not without hardship; Zélia faced turbulent times in her marriage and natural disasters, including four major floods that displaced her and her family. Despite the adversities, she remained steadfast in her commitment to her family, navigating through intense struggles involving health issues and ensuring her loved ones stayed united. Her story highlights the importance of resilience and love in the face of life's challenges.

Zélia's passing at the age of 90 marks the end of a significant chapter in her family's legacy. She not only dreamed of witnessing her grandchildren's milestones but also achieved them, leaving behind six children, 16 grandchildren, and 14 great-grandchildren. Her life serves as an inspiration, showcasing the strength and sacrifices made for family, while also illustrating the social changes that occurred in her lifetime as she forged her own path against traditional norms.