Lena H. (Avila) Almy, 88, of Fairhaven, died Friday March 2, 2012 at The Royal Nursing Home, surrounded by her loving family, after a long illness .
Born in New Bedford, the daughter of the late John and Clara (Sylvia) Avila, she lived in Dartmouth most of her life. She was a graduate of LeBaron Hairdressing Academy.
Mrs. Almy worked at St. Luke's Hospital as a housekeeper until her retirement.
Throughout her life she enjoyed swimming, boating, skiing, knitting, sewing, and later in life she became a gifted shopper. She found enjoyment attending the Fairhaven Senior Social Day Program.
Survivors include her children, Gerri Frates and her husband Jack of Fairhaven, William "Butch" Mello and his wife Sharon of Florida, Christian Almy of Boston, and Dottie Martin and her husband Jeff of Rochester; two stepchildren Brad and Susan Almy, both of Florida; a brother, Gilbert Avila of Dartmouth; a sister, Tina Teixeira of Dartmouth; and several nieces and nephews. .
She was a devoted mother and grandmother. Her greatest pleasure was spending time with her 13 grandchildren, 28 great-grandchildren and a great-great-grandchild.
She was the sister of the late Joseph, John, Frank, Manuel, and Edmund Avila and Mildred Mello.
Her Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Monday at 9 AM at St. Mary's Church, Fairhaven. Visiting hours will be on Sunday from 4-7 PM in the Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home for Funerals, 50 County Rd. (Route 6, Mattapoisett. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers remembrances may be made to Fairhaven Senior Social Day Program, 229 Huttleston Avenue, Fairhaven, MA 02719. For directions and guestbook, please visit www.saundersdwyer.com.