Helena M. (Arruda) Chaves, age 58, of Westport, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday June 28, 2017. Born in Santo Antonio Alem Capelas, São Miguel, Açores she was the daughter of the late Eduardo Arruda, and Jorgina (DoRego) Arruda, and was the beloved wife of João M. Chaves. Helena was a cafeteria worker for the Fall River Public School System after working for several years at various mills in Fall River but her most important job for her was being a mother to her children and Vavó to her grandchildren. She enjoyed spending time with her family and friends especially her husband, children, grandchildren who were her most prized possessions, as well as crocheting, arts and crafts.
In addition to her husband she is survived by her sons; Derek A. Chaves (wife Jennifer) of Westport, MA, Bryan A. Chaves (girlfriend Kimberly Casavant) of Fall River, MA, and Cory A. Chaves (girlfriend Cheyanne Mazzarella) of Westport, MA, siblings; Gabriela daSilva, Ana Maria Frias of Fall River, MA, Maria deLourdes Machado of São Miguel Açores, Tina Medeiros, Maria Arruda Penacho, and Paula Guiomar of Westport, MA and Esmerelda Torres of Dartmouth, grandchildren; Brandon and Kenlie Chaves, and several godchildren, nieces, nephews, brother in laws and sister in law. She was also the sister of the late Jorgina Carvalho, Antonio Duarte Arruda, and Joao Guilherme Arruda.
Her funeral will take place from the Manuel Rogers & Sons Funeral Home 1521 N. Main St. Fall River on Monday with a Mass of Christian Burial at Espirito Santo Church at 10 A.M. Interment in Notre Dame Cemetery. Calling hours on Sunday from 4-8 P.M. In lieu of flowers donations will be made in her name to local Mental Health Agencies.