Gilda Franco

Gilda (Medeiros) Franco, age 92, of Fall River, passed away peacefully on Sunday, March 17, 2024, surrounded by love at the Catholic Memorial Home in Fall River. She was the wife of the late John Franco.

Born in Povoacao, St. Miguel, Acores, the daughter of the late Joseph and Laura (Pimentel) Medeiros, Gilda immigrated to the United States in 1957, moving to Bristol, RI prior to settling in Fall River in 1960.

While living in the Acores at the age of 16, Gilda began mastering her skills as a gifted seamstress. Upon arriving in the United States, she worked for Merrit Manufacturing, Lenore’s, and the Bridal Shop before proudly opening and operating Gilda’s Place of Bridals on S. Main St. in Fall River for over 30 years.

A lover of fashion who was always dressed exquisitely, she enjoyed knitting and spending time with and cooking for her family, whom she adored. She was a former member of the Cultural Club.

Gilda was the mother of the late Susan Chadinha of Swansea, MA, and sister of the late Manuel and Marcelino Medeiros. Gilda is survived by her devoted son, Carlos “Charlie” Franco and his wife Kathleen “Kate” of Fall River; one sister, Theresa Moniz of Fall River; grandchildren, Christopher Franco of Peabody, MA, Matthew Chadinha of Ashland, VA, and Michael Chadinha and his wife Heather of Peterborough, NH; the late Adam Franco of Fall River and his wife Angela of Jesup, GA; Andrea Simoes and her husband Ricky of Assonet, MA; six great-grandchildren, Charlotte, Evan, Olivia, Logan, Chloe, and Emma as well as several nieces and nephews.

Her visitation will be held on Tuesday, March 26, from 8:30 - 9:30 AM in the Waring-Sullivan Home at Cherry Place, 178 Winter St., Fall River, followed by a Funeral Mass at 10:00 AM at Holy Name Church, 709 Hanover St., Fall River. Relatives and friends are invited. Burial in Notre Dame Cemetery, Fall River. In lieu of flowers, donations in Gilda’s honor may be made to the Catholic Memorial Home Activities Fund, 2446 Highland Ave., Fall River, MA 02720 or to the Alzheimer’s Association, 309 Waverley Oaks Rd., Waltham, MA 02452.