Born in St. Miguel Portugal, a daughter of the late Manuel M. and Maria de Jesus (de Sousa Arruda) Oliveira she grew up there and came to America at the age of 12. She was a communicant of Our Lady of Immaculate Conception Church.
Mrs. Melo worked at Olin Aegis and also worked as a catering waitress for large events and weddings. She loved knitting and crocheting. Maria was very involved with church groups.
In addition to her husband, she is survived by her devoted daughter, Leslie Baganha of Berkley; two sisters, Maria Graca Farias and her husband Manuel and Ana Maria Sousa and her husband Liberto all of New Bedford; two grandchildren that gave her great pride, Jason Anthony and Jacob Louis. She was the sister of the late Paul Oliveira.
Her funeral will be Saturday, January 18, 2020 at 8 a.m. from the ROCK FUNERAL HOME, 1285 Ashley Blvd., New Bedford followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 9 a.m. in Our Lady of Immaculate Conception Church, 136 Earle St., New Bedford. Burial will follow in Pine Grove Cemetery, New Bedford. Visitation Friday 5-8 p.m. For online tribute/directions www.rock-funeralhome.com.
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