Debra A. (Sylvia) DeMelo, 58, of Dartmouth died peacefully at home on Monday February 17, 2014 surrounded by her family after a courageous battle with cancer over the past year. She was the wife of Daniel J. DeMelo.
Born in New Bedford, the daughter of John T. and Ellen M. (Gordon) Sylvia, she lived in Dartmouth for most of her life.
Mrs. DeMelo was formerly employed as a police officer for the Dartmouth Police Department, a career of which she was most proud. She had previously worked as a school crossing guard for the Town of Dartmouth. After her retirement, she worked with her husband in their family business.
She was a member of the Dartmouth Police Athletic League. She was an avid gardener and enjoyed arts and crafts. She especially loved spending time with her grandchildren.
Survivors include her husband; her parents; three sons, Dustin Freitas of Watertown, NY, Trevor Freitas of Fairhaven, and Jarrad Freitas of New Bedford; two sisters, Doris Sylvia of New Bedford and Gail Texeira of Acushnet; eight grandchildren; and several nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and cousins.
Her Memorial Mass will be celebrated on Saturday at 9 AM at Holy Name of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Church, 121 Mt. Pleasant St., New Bedford. Visiting hours will be held on Friday from 5-8 PM at the Saunders-Dwyer Home for Funerals, 495 Park St., New Bedford. In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758517, Topeka, KS 66675. For directions and guestbook, please visit www.saundersdwyer.com.