Phyllis (Fabio) Lopes, 80 of New Bedford died Saturday August 28, 2021 unexpectedly at home.
Born in New Bedford, the daughter of the late Rene (Helme) Fabio and Charles Fabio, she lived in New Bedford most of her life. Phyllis graduated from New Bedford Vocational High School. She was formerly employed as a junior engineer for the Polaroid Corporation.
Phyllis was known for her beautiful smile, long braids and talented singing. She was a community activist. She loved spending time with her great-grandchildren. She was a NBA fanatic. Phyllis was a Mashpee Wampanoag Tribal Elder who enjoyed attending tribal events with her family. She had a passionate loving heart and possessed an innate ability to illuminate anyone’s spirit.
Survivors include her siblings, Yvonne Baez, Joseph Fabio and Linda Fabio; her daughter, Deirdre Lopes; her grandchildren, Unique Lopes Forde, Jarell Ervin, Cerissa Correia, Cyrel Lopes, Joycelyne Lopes and Chaquana Lopes; her great-grandchildren, Anthony, Alanna, Maliah, Aiyana, Jydell, Ja'L, Messiah, Sincere, Royal, Sharif, Azari'yah and Ka’Liah.
She was the mother of the late Cecil M. Lopes Jr., grandmother of the late Cecil M. Lopes III, and sister of the late Jeanne Collins, Rene Hill, Shirley Fabio and Charles Fabio.
Her Funeral Service will be held on Tuesday September 7th 12 Noon at the Saunders-Dwyer Home for Funerals, 495 Park St., New Bedford. Visitation will be on Tuesday morning from 10 AM - 12 Noon prior to the service. Burial will be in Rural Cemetery. For online condolence book, please visit www.saundersdwyer.com.