Margaret M. Alves

Margaret M. Alves, a faithful and devoted member of the Dartmouth community, passed away on October 26, 2025, at the age of 92. Born on March 11, 1933, in New Bedford, Massachusetts, Margaret was the beloved daughter of Jacintho and Maria Conceicao Ferro.

She pursued her passion for education by earning both her bachelor's and master's degrees from Bridgewater State University.

Margaret dedicated 25 years of her life to the Dartmouth Public School System as a devoted educator. Following her retirement from teaching, she continued to impact lives as a drug rehabilitation counselor at Highpoint Treatment Center. Her commitment to service extended further as she devoted her life to jail ministry.

Margaret was preceded in death by her husband, Carlos Alves, in 1994. She is survived by her two sons, Carl J. Alves and his wife Tanya, and Mark D. Alves and his wife Elizabeth. Her legacy is carried on by her grandchildren, Sam, Henry, David, Christian, and Madison Alves. Margaret is also survived by her siblings, Sr. Cecilia Ferro, Sr. Mary Ferro, and George Ferro, as well as many nieces, nephews, and godchildren. She was preceded in death by her siblings Anibal, Jose, Jacintho, Gilbert, John, Paul, and Noe Ferro.

A woman of strong faith, Margaret was a longtime communicant of St. Mary's Church in Dartmouth, where she was an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion, lector, member of the Women's Guild, and a participant in Cursillo. Margaret was also a member of both the Retired Teachers Association and the College Club of New Bedford, as well as a hospice volunteer with Community Nurse of Fairhaven.

Margaret enjoyed travel and the theater, especially by the side of her doting husband. They traveled frequently to Tanglewood, with special trips to Hawaii, and Europe, although she passed on driving cross country with Carlos and her sons, opting to join them once they reached the west coast and were staying in a hotel. She and her siblings shared their musical talents at family gatherings and she also played the bass drum in the Dartmouth Community Band. She liked to read, journal, and do calligraphy. Margaret passed her penchant for ice cream down to her children and grandchildren. She was proud of her Madeiran heritage and all things Portugal.

Margaret M. Alves will be remembered for her unwavering faith, dedication to service, and the love she shared with her family and community. Her impact on the lives she touched will be cherished and remembered by all who knew her. She loved her family and friends, and they loved her back.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Margaret's memory to the charity of your choice.

Visiting hours will be held on Thursday, October 30, 2025 from 5-8 pm in the Waring-Sullivan Home at Dartmouth, 230 Russells Mills Rd., Dartmouth. Funeral, Friday, October 31, 2025 at 9am from the funeral home followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10am in St. Mary’s Church, Dartmouth followed by burial in South Dartmouth Cemetery.