Deonilda M. "Deo" (Santos) Rosa, 90, of New Bedford died January 17, 2013 at St. Luke's Hospital after a brief illness.
She was the wife of the late Alfred D. Rosa.
Born and raised in New Bedford, the daughter of the late Francisco L. and Maria E. (Lacerda) Santos, she lived in New York before returning to New Bedford 39 years ago.
Mrs. Rosa was a parishioner of Our Lady of the Assumption Church.
She was formerly employed as executive secretary to U.S. Congressman Gerry Studds for many years until her retirement.
Mrs. Rosa enjoyed painting artwork, playing the guitar and writing shorthand.
Survivors include her sister, Stephanie Correia of New Bedford; 6 nieces, Carol Ross, Francine Sylvia, Valerie Calderon, Amelia Moore, Maria Sylvia and Terri Green; 7 nephews, Ronald Sylvia, Gerald Sylvia, Ricardo Correia, Barry Correia, Paul Sylvia, John Sylvia and Randy Correia; a step-daughter; 2 granddaughters; 4 great-grandchildren; and several great-nieces and great-nephews.
She was the sister of the late Edalina Sylvia, Francisco "Fudgie" Santos, Luiz "Popsicle" Santos and Alice Santos and the aunt of the late Bernardo Sylvia and great-aunt of the late Marcus Sylvia.
Funeral from the Saunders-Dwyer Home for Funerals, 495 Park St., New Bedford Wednesday, January 23rd at 8 AM. Funeral Mass at Our Lady of the Assumption Church at 9 AM. Burial will follow in the Massachusetts National Cemetery. Visiting hours Tuesday, January 22nd from 3-7 PM.