Arsenia Pires Fernandes

Born in Santo Antao Cape Verde, a daughter of the late Augusto Joao and Gertrudes (Pires) Fernandes she grew up there before coming to America in 1979.

Zaza was a teacher. She enjoyed every moment of life and loved everyone she met. She welcomed everyone into her life and cooking brought her great joy. Zaza will be greatly missed

.

She is survived by her brother, Julio Rosa of Cape Verde; caretakers, Jose Monteiro (nephew) of New Bedford and Lena Correira (niece) of Fall River; and many nieces and nephews. She was the sister of the late Guiomar Pires Fernandes, Belmiro Pires Fernandes, Margarida Pires Fernandes Estrella, Aderito Pires Fernandes, Maria Lyette Pires Fernandes, Antonia Victorina Pereira, Joao Afra Fernandes, Laurenco Afra Fernandes, and Martino Fernandes.

Her funeral will be Saturday, April 13, 2024 at 10 a.m. in the Church of the Nazarene, 286 Pleasant St., New Bedford. Burial will follow in St. Mary’s Cemetery, New Bedford. Visitation will be Friday 5-8 p.m. in the Rock Funeral Home, 1285 Ashley Blvd., New Bedford, MA 02745. For online tribute/directions: www.rock-funeralhome.com.