Clara M. (Gomes) DaSilva, 84, of New Bedford passed away Sunday April 5, 2020 at St. Luke's Hospital. She was the wife of the late Henrique “Henry” DaSilva, who died on March 15, 2020.
Born in Brava, Cape Verde, the daughter of the late Maria Gomes and Julio Pereira, she lived in New Bedford for most of her life.
She was a communicant of St. Julie Billiart Church.
Mrs. DaSilva was formerly employed as a seamstress in the local textile industry and was a member of the International Ladies Garment Workers Union.
She was a member of the Ideal Social Club. She enjoyed crocheting, playing cards and the lottery, and going to the casino. She especially loved spending time with her grandchildren. Throughout the years, she warmly opened her home and supported individuals with disabilities through the Adult Foster Care Program.
She is survived by her three children, Eugenia Ortiz, Linda Gilmete, and Robert DaSilva and his wife Carla; her siblings, Laura Bala, Alice Barros, John Gomes, Julius Caesar Pereira, Joao Pereira, and Jose Lopes; 10 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
She was predeceased by her children, Marie Lopes and Henry P. DaSilva; her grandson, Justin Moniz; and her siblings, Marcelino Gomes, Jose Gomes, Carlos Pereira, and Maria Pereira.
Due to the current restrictions on public gatherings, her burial will be private for immediate family. A public Memorial Mass will be held at the later date. In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105. Arrangements are by the Saunders-Dwyer Home for Funerals, 495 Park St., New Bedford. For online condolence book, please visit www.saundersdwyer.com.