Carol A. Tavares, 83, of Dartmouth, formerly of New Bedford, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family on Sunday, August 15, 2021 at St. Luke's Hospital in New Bedford. She was the loving wife of Edmund F. Tavares, to whom she was wed for 62 years.
Born in New Bedford on June 24, 1938, she was the beloved daughter of Alfred and Zelda (Durant) McKay.
Carol grew up in New Bedford and was a graduate of Holy Family High School, class of 1956. Carol worked at Arlan's Department Store and later, after raising her three sons, at Dr. Joseph Glennon, optometrist as a secretary.
Carol enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren, traveling, creating arts and crafts, and gardening. She could also be found taking rides, usually to Gooseberry Island.
In addition to her beloved husband, she is survived by her devoted sons Kevin F. and his wife Monica of Mattapoisett, Shaun M. and his wife Janine of Dartmouth, and Curtis C. and his wife Dale of Scottsdale, AZ. She was the cherished grandmother of Alicia Tavares O’Toole and her husband Mark of Fayetteville, NC, Noah Tavares of Mattapoisett, Keira Tavares of Dartmouth, Callie Tavares of Mattapoisett, and Abby Tavares of Scottsdale, AZ. She was the dear sister of the late Ronald McKay.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend a celebratory Mass on Saturday, October 9, 2021 at 11:00 am at Holy Name of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish, 121 Mount Pleasant Street, New Bedford, MA. Burial at St. Mary’s Cemetery in New Bedford/Dartmouth will be held privately at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations in Carol’s memory may be made to Southcoast Visiting Nurse Association, 200 Mill Road, Suite 120, Fairhaven, MA 02719. For online condolence book, please visit www.saundersdwyer.com.