Inside the Remarkable Life of New Bedford’s Filomena Tripp

Filomena Tripp's story is full of inspiration and courage. The 70-year-old was born in 1955 in the Azores with two underdeveloped arms and an underdeveloped leg. Despite the obstacles in her life, she has never quit.

Tripp visited Townsquare Sunday to talk about her life, both growing up and in the present day, and about her book Invisible Courage.

Growing Up in the Azores With Disabilities

"Living in Sao Miguel as a child was not a good start," she said. "I was born with physical disabilities, and I couldn't do much. I didn't even have a wheelchair. But I always had in my head that I wanted to overcome things. Basically, I learned everything by myself by being observant and watching other people."

Tripp said she did not attend school in the Azores because her parents were told her presence would disrupt other students, but she did attend a summer program in a private home, where she learned the alphabet and how to sign her name.

Arriving in New Bedford and Learning English

Tripp arrived in New Bedford at the age of 12 and was taught English at home by a visiting tutor. Those lessons lasted until she was 22. She attended night school at New Bedford High and after two tries, received her diploma in 1981, and soon after that obtained her driver's license.

Tripp admitted there have been times in her life when she was depressed and felt sorry for herself. "As a child growing up in the Azores, I used to go to the window and watch kids coming home from school, calling me names," she said. "That hurt. I cried so much. I was not accepting of what I was."

Battling Depression and Finding Faith

Depression and sadness returned in 1989 with the sudden death of her first husband. She remained in almost total seclusion for three years, and began drinking.

"Luis was older than me, but we loved each other very much," she said. "After his death, I went into a big depression, and turned to drinking. I was an alcoholic."

Tripp was saved by her faith. She agreed to attend a Bible study group and started going to church and has never stopped. "I have my second husband and I love him very much, but my love for Jesus, no one can take that away from me," she said.

A Career Helping Others With Disabilities

Tripp went on to a long career at a Fall River agency, counseling others with disabilities. She also achieved a lifelong goal by going sky diving, and wrote a book about her life. She is now retired and is working part-time in telemarketing.

Her advice to those suffering through hard times: "Never give up."

Invisible Courage is available for purchase at filomenatripp.com and on Amazon.