Luisa Alves Afonso died peacefully on August 25, 2022 at St. Luke’s Hospital in New Bedford, MA after a brief and sudden illness, surrounded by her loving family.
Luisa was the beloved wife of 49 years of the late Manuel Afonso. She was a loving mother, avó, tia, madrinha, and amiga to all. Born on December 28, 1934, Luisa was the daughter of the late Manuel Sabina Alves and Mariana Alves of Friaes, Montalegre, Portugal. She leaves her daughter Susana (Afonso) Brum and her husband Steven Brum of New Bedford, daughter Maria Rosa Afonso of New Bedford, and son Joao Paulo Afonso and his wife Erica Caron-Afonso of New Bedford. She was predeceased by her infant daughter, Christina Afonso. Luisa had 5 grandchildren, Steve Brum Jr., Samuel Brum, Jacob Afonso, Marlie Afonso and Avery Afonso. She is survived by her sister in law Balbina Pereira and her husband Joao Periera of Brandim, Montalegre, Portugal, and by her brother in law Joao Alves Afonso and his wife Maria Magro Afonso of New Bedford. She also leaves 11 nieces and nephews and many dear cousins.
Luisa immigrated to the United States in 1966 where she lived with her aunt and uncle and loving cousins. After returning to Portugal for some time she came with her husband to the United States to start a family. Luisa worked at the Cliftex Corporation while caring for her family and her loving mother, Mariana. She enjoyed gardening, music, cooking and took pride in baking. As a wife, mother, and grandmother she went beyond and taught her family her legacy of love and strength. Luisa was her family’s strongest supporter and biggest fan, always offering unconditional love. She was more than happy to be a central figure in the lives of her children. Anyone who knew her knew that she was a star in their eyes, and that’s what truly mattered to her.
Luisa was a parishioner of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church of New Bedford. The family would like to thank the staff of St. Luke’s Hospital PCU, the Fairhaven Visiting Nurse Association team, and Southcoast VNA Hospice team for their care and family support.
Luisa's visiting hours will be held on Tuesday August 30 from 5:00 P.M. - 8:00 P.M. at Perry Funeral Home. Her funeral will take place on Wednesday August 31, beginning in the funeral home at 9:00 A.M. and followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church at 10:00 A.M. Burial will immediately follow at Rural Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Leukemia Research Foundation in honor of Luisa Alves Afonso.