Maria E. Oliveira Melo

Maria Ernestina (Oliveira) Melo, 76, of Dartmouth, passed away on Saturday, July 9, 2011 at St. Luke’s Hospital surrounded by her family following a battle with cancer. She was the wife of Jose de Sousa Melo with whom she shared 52 years of marriage.

Born in Lomba de Sao Pedro, St. Michael, Azores, the daughter of the late Antonio F. and Evangelina Paiva Oliveira Melo, she came to America in 1968, lived in New Bedford for 9 years and settled in Dartmouth 34 years ago.

Mrs. Melo worked as a packer for Frionor Fish in New Bedford until retiring in 2000.

She enjoyed crocheting and spending time with her family going on day trips, especially to Twin Rivers which was one of her favorite places. She cherished the company of her grandchildren and will be dearly missed by all who loved her.

Surviving in addition to her husband is a daughter, Maria S. Melo; four sons, Carlos Melo, Antonio J. Melo and his wife Lori A., Ricardo Melo and his wife Wendy all of Dartmouth and Daniel Melo and his wife Gina of Acushnet; five grandsons, Ryan, Richard, Mathew, Marc and Brendin Melo and her granddaughter and best friend, Jasmine Melo; and several nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews. She was the sister of the late Manuel Francisco De Melo and Antonio Oliveira.

Her Funeral will be held on Wednesday, July 13, 2011 at 9am from the Waring-Sullivan Home of Memorial Tribute at Dartmouth, 230 Russells Mills Rd., Dartmouth followed by a Funeral Mass at 10am in St. Julie Billiart Church, 494 Slocum Rd., Dartmouth. Visiting hours Tuesday 5-8pm. Burial in South Dartmouth Cemetery. For online tributes and directions: www.waring-sullivan.com