Maria Conceicao “Connie” (Amaral) Arruda, 77, of New Bedford passed away Wednesday February 16, 2022 at home surrounded by her family. She was the wife of the late Antonio Arruda.
Born in Sao Miguel, Azores, the daughter of the late Jacintho deMelo and Maria Conceicao Amaral, she lived in New Bedford for most of her life. She was very proud of becoming a U.S. citizen in 1982.
Connie was formerly employed as a cleaner for Ocean Spray Cranberry and as a packer at Calvin Klein until her retirement.
She was a loving mother who always cared for her children and grandchildren. She has a heart of gold and would do anything for anyone. She enjoyed gardening.
She is survived by four children, Antonio Arruda, Ana Arruda, Elsa Arruda, and Steven Arruda; two brothers, Jose deMelo and Jacintho deMelo; ten grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
Her Funeral Service will be held on Tuesday February 22, 2022 at 12:30 PM at the Saunders-Dwyer Home for Funerals, 495 Park St., New Bedford. Burial will follow in Pine Grove Cemetery. Visitation will be on Tuesday from 11AM-12:30 PM prior to the service. For online condolence book, please visit www.saundersdwyer.com.