New Bedford - Maria C. Fernandes, known affectionately as Vo Carmel or Tia Carmel passed away peacefully on September 24, 2016 surrounded by her family. Born and raised in Sao Mateus, Terceira , and the daughter of Jose and Leonor Verissimo.
She immigrated to New Bedford in 1969 with her husband and 3 children. She was married to Francisco "Martins" Fernandes until his death in 1974. She was employed at various mills in the city of New Bedford before retiring from Columbia Cable. She was a communicant of Our Lady of Mt Carmel Church. Her greatest passion was her family, and her favorite past-time was taking care of her family and watching her grandchildren and great grandchildren grow.
She is survived by her daughters, Teresa Silva and her husband Manuel , Ana Gil and her husband Manuel, and her son Antonio Fernandes and his wife Ligia. And a sister, Lourdes Botelho. Her grandchildren; Sergio Silva, Lisa Gomez, Michael Gil, Michelle Fenn, Susan Ribeiro, Sandra Fernandes, Lizette Casilli, and Elizabeth Fernandes Her great grandchildren; Alyssa, Andrew, Dominic, Matthew, Mason, Alivia, Zachary, and Cameron.
Her funeral will be Tuesday beginning in the funeral home at 9:30 A.M. with a Mass of Christian Burial at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church at 10:30 A.M. Burial will follow in St. John Cemetery. Visitation will be held Monday evening from 5 – 8 P.M. Arrangements placed in the care of Perry Funeral Home, 111 Dartmouth St. New Bedford, MA 02740.