Mikele M. Gamboa

Mikele M. Gamboa, “Mikki,” age 37, of New Bedford, passed away Thursday, April 2, 2015 in St. Luke’s Hospital. Born in New Bedford, a daughter of John and Virginia (Soares) Gamboa of New Bedford, she had been a lifelong resident of the city.

A graduate of New Bedford High School, class of 1996, she received a Bachelor of Science degree in Human Resources from Suffolk University, and a Bachelor of Science degree in Social Work from Bridgewater State University.

Passionate for caring and advocating for the elderly, Mikki worked as a Social Worker for Coastline Elderly Services for many years. She was funny, outgoing, generous, inspirational, dramatic, and thoughtful. She enjoyed collecting rocks, music, movies, loved to travel throughout the world, and her favorite holidays were Halloween and Christmas. She had tremendous love for her niece, nephews, and her friends’ children.

Mikki was a recipient of a heart transplant nine years ago and lived every day to the fullest. For this gift she would want everyone to consider being an organ donor.

In addition to her parents, she is survived by two sisters: Leah Mazoyer and her husband Leon of Dartmouth, Jheri Engdahl and her husband Mattias of Sweden, one niece: Madison Mazoyer, two nephews: Hunter Mazoyer and Gabriel Engdahl, and her fiancé: Jeff DeLima of New Bedford. She is also survived by many aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Her Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, April 11, 2015 at 12PM in the First Church of the Nazarene, 764 Hathaway Road, New Bedford. Relatives and friends are invited. Contributions in her honor may be made to the American Heart Association, 20 Speen St., Framingham, MA 01701. Arrangements in the care of the WARING-SULLIVAN HOME OF MEMORIAL TRIBUTE AT DARTMOUTH. Burial private.

For tributes or directions, please visit www.waring-sullivan.com