Ecilda (DePina) Fortes, 81, of New Bedford passed away peacefully Tuesday, January 26, 2021 at St. Luke's Hospital after a long illness.
She was the wife of the late Joseph P. Fortes.
Ecilda was born in Brava, Cape Verde. She was the daughter of the late Maria (DePina) Ribeiro and Vasco DeBarros.
She was formerly employed at Ocean Spray until her retirement.
She was a parishioner of Our Lady of the Assumption Church in New Bedford.
She touched so many lives throughout her own life. She loved spending time with her family, singing and dancing. She also loved to entertain her family and friends.
She is survived by her daughters, Elizabeth Ferreira and her husband Victorino, Marilyn Silveira and her husband Antonio and Joanne Correia, all of New Bedford; 2 brothers, Oliveiro DePina of New Bedford and Daniel DeBarros of Boston; a sister, Natalia Barbosa of Boston; 13 grandchildren; 8 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
She was the mother of the late Raymond Fortes, Lavan Fortes, Arnold Fortes and Nellie Correia and the sister of the late Caitano DePina, Arminda DaRosa, Joao DePina, Constanca DePina and Joao Catista DeBarros.
Visiting hours will be held Sunday, January 31st from 4-8 PM in the Saunders-Dwyer Home for Funerals, 495 Park St., New Bedford. Due to COVID-19 capacity restrictions, her funeral Mass and burial will be held privately.
Please be advised that due to the COVID-19 pandemic, there are strict guidelines that must be adhered to for the safety of everyone. You MUST wear a mask to be allowed entry to the services. Please practice social distancing and avoid any close contact. Guests will be permitted to pay their respects and depart to allow the next guests to enter. Capacity at the funeral home will be limited so there could be wait times outside the funeral home. Thank you in advance for your cooperation.