Dolores Centeio Bessant was born on April 7, 1960 in Brava, Cape Verde. She passed away on September 28, 2021 due to Covid related issues.
Dolores came to America with her family in August of 1967 at the age of 7. She was raised in New Bedford, Massachusetts and spent her adult life in the Chesapeake, Virginia area where she was a long time member of the Tidewater Bible Way Church in Portsmouth, VA -her current church family is at Kingdom Cathedral in Virginia Beach, VA.
After graduating from New Bedford high school, she studied Business at Kinyon-Campbell Business School in New Bedford, MA. Shortly after graduation, she moved to Virginia and started her Administrative career at QVC – where she worked for over 30 years – she absolutely loved her job and the people she worked with.
Dolores had such a zest for life – she always had a smile for everyone and she was generous with her time, love and attention. She enjoyed traveling and going to good restaurants with her friends. She loved spending time with her family, but her favorite time spent was with her only son TJ, whom she loved beyond measure.
She is survived by her son Thomas Bessant Jr. of Virginia Beach, VA, her mother Maria D. Centeio of New Bedford, MA, her sisters: Magarida DaSylva, Irma C. Carlisle and Flora Centeio all of New Bedford, MA and Margarida Masden of Douglasville, GA.: her brothers: David Monteiro of Praia, Cape Verde and Joaquim Centeio and Daniel Centeio, both of New Bedford, MA. She had several nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, uncles and great nieces that she adored.
She was predeceased by her father Miguel F. Centeio and brothers: Jose Centeio and George Centeio.
Visiting hours are on Wednesday, October 13, 2021 – from 9am to 11am at Perry Funeral Home, 111 Dartmouth Street, New Bedford, MA. Burial will be immediately following at Rural Cemetery, 149 Dartmouth Street, New Bedford, MA.
Arrangements are placed in the care of Perry Funeral Home 111 Dartmouth St. New Bedford, MA 02740. Please see our website: www.perryfuneral.com for condolences.
MASKS REQUIRED.