Dorene Ann Fernandes, 59, of New Bedford passed away Sunday, February 3, 2013 at the Royal of Fairhaven Nursing Home after a courageous battle with cancer.
Born and raised in New Bedford, she was the daughter of Katherine (Viger) Fernandes and the late Salvador Fernandes. Over the last 30 years, she was employed as a retail manager, first at Fernandes Supermarket, then at Brooks Pharmacy, and in more recent years at Shaws Supermarket. During her brief stay in Fairhaven she was visited by family members, countless friends and many co-workers from her years in retail. Her two best friends stayed by her side almost continuously throughout her illness. This steady stream of visitors stands as a testament to the powerful connections Dorene made with others throughout her life.
Dorene especially enjoyed the company of her nieces and nephews and spent many hours with her niece’s young children over the last several years. She truly cherished this time and these children.
Dorene had many passions in life. She was an avid reader and a true fan of Harry Potter and The Lord of the Rings. Whenever the latest movie of a series was released, she would gather up her nieces and nephews, pack some food, and take everyone to the first midnight showing. She loved all things Disney, the Red Sox, trips to Foxwoods, and spiritual readings. Her love for these things, however, paled in comparison to her passion for the beach and the ocean. She spent innumerable days in the sand, reading in the sun and simply taking in the view. She was particularly fond of the beach at Ned’s Point Lighthouse in Mattapoisett.
She is survived by her mother, Katherine Fernandes of New Bedford; her sister, Kathy Genden and her husband Larry of Port Orange, FL; her brothers, Michael Fernandes and his wife Jery of South Dartmouth and Sal Fernandes and his wife Theresa of Fairhaven. Dorene was lucky to have found true and lifelong friendship in Beth Goloboy, Brenda Pichaske and Paulette Wilbur. She is also survived by many loving aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, grand nieces and grand nephews.
Dorene was predeceased by her father, Salvador Fernandes and her sister, Kim Bennett.
Her Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Wednesday at 10 AM at Holy Name of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Church. Cremation will follow. Visiting hours will be on Tuesday from 4-8 PM at the Saunders-Dwyer Home for Funerals, 495 Park St., New Bedford. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Dorene’s name to Save the Whales, 1192 Waring Street, Seaside, CA 93955 or at http://www.savethewhales.org/
For directions and guestbook, please visit www.saundersdwyer.com.