Esmeralda Maria (Cunha) Lopes, 75, of New Bedford died peacefully December 9, 2020 at home surrounded by her family after a brief battle with cancer.
She was the devoted wife of the late Joao F. Lopes.
Born in Ponta Delgada São Miguel, Azores, daughter of the late Altino Cunha and Antonieta (DoCarmo) DaSilva and stepdaughter of the late Gaudino DaSilva. She emigrated to New Bedford in 1970.
Mrs. Lopes was a faithful and active member of Hope Evangelical Community Church.
Mrs. Lopes was formerly employed as a CNA at Sacred Heart Nursing Home and Hathaway Manor for many years until her retirement. She had a passion for caring for the elderly.
She loved taking care of her children and grandchildren. She was selfless and her smile would light up the darkest room. She enjoyed her daily walks to her favorite local stores. Spending time with her neighbors and friends also brought great joy! Her heart and love for family and all she came in contact with, was extraordinary! She will forever be missed. Our loss here, but heaven has gained a saint.
Survivors include her children, Dalia Atkinson and her husband Pastor Derek Atkinson and Joao F. "Johnny" Lopes, Jr. and his wife Elizabeth, all of New Bedford and Susan Cabral and her husband Paul of South Dartmouth; her companion, Jose Vaz of New Bedford; 3 brothers, Altino Cunha of Arizona, Valdomiro Cunha and Moses DaSilva, both of New Bedford; 13 grandchildren, Andrew Tavares, Amanda Tavares, Ashley Atkinson, Derek Atkinson, Michael Lopes, Paul Lopes, Justin Lopes, Jordan Lopes, Sarah Lopes, Morgan Lopes, stepdaughter Chelsea Medeiros, Paige Cabral and Haley Cabral; several great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
She was the mother of the late Paulo R. Lopes.
Her Celebration of Life Service will be held on Saturday, May 22, 2021 at 10:30 AM in Hope Evangelical Community Church.