New Bedford – Artemisia Tavares, age 72, passed away on Monday, July 8, 2013 at her home in New Bedford after a period of declining health. She was the beloved widow of Manuel Tavares who died in March of 2006. Mrs. Tavares was born in Sao Miguel, Açores, a daughter of Alexandrina F. (de Aguiar) and Jose de Fontes. She moved to this area in 1967 and was a dedicated homemaker for her loving family.
Her family includes her 12 children: Julietta Dalzell, Ana Tavares, Mariana Botelho, Mariano Tavares, Maria Tavares, Edward Tavares, Joseph Tavares, Gina Brum, Jamie Tavares, the late Ana Tavares, the late Joseph Tavares and the late Joao Luis Tavares; 2 living siblings: Jose de Fontes and Rosa Bilhete; 13 grandchildren, several great grandchildren and several nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews. She was predeceased by several siblings.
Artemisia’a funeral will be Friday, July 12 at 10:00 A.M. at Perry Funeral Home, 111 Dartmouth St. in New Bedford, with a Religious Service to begin at 11:00 A.M. Burial will follow at St. John Cemetery. Visiting hours will be Thursday evening in the funeral home from 6 – 8 P.M. Relatives and friends are invited to attend. In lieu of flowers donations can be made directly to the family and will be greatly appreciated.