Maria V. de Melo

Born in St. Michael Azores, a daughter of the late Manuel and Maria dos Anjos Tavares. At the age of 19, she got married and traveled to Brazil on her honeymoon and decided to start her new life and have her four daughters. In 1968, she moved to New Bedford, MA.

Mrs. De Melo worked as a stitcher. In her spare time, she loved to cook, spending time with family and friends, loved traveling, and entertaining. The most important thing to her was being with her grandchildren and great grandchildren.

In addition to her husband, she is survived by her children, Veneranda Vasconcelos of New Bedford, Elizabeth Pell of Acushnet, Cidalia de Melo of Somerville, and Marcia Amaral and her husband Oscar of New Bedford; eight grandchildren, Jason Vasconcelos, Tracy Ferreira, Joshua Pell, Jonathan Pell, Jennifer Murphy, Dylan Amaral, Jessica Valentin, and Chad Picard; 12 great grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. She was the grandmother of the late Cody Amaral; mother-in-law of the late Fred Pell; and sister of the late Eduarda Jacques and Fernando Tavares.

Her funeral will be Friday, May 24, 2024 at 9 a.m. from the Rock Funeral Home, 1285 Ashley Blvd., New Bedford. Her Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10 a.m. in St. Anthony of Padua Parish, 1359 Acushnet Ave., New Bedford. Burial will follow in Pine Grove Cemetery. Visitation will be Thursday 5-7 p.m. For online tribute/directions: www.rock-funeralhome.com.