Irene D. (Sarlo) Lopes, 99, of New Bedford passed away peacefully at Sippican Healthcare Center on Wednesday, February 1, 2023 just shy of her 100th birthday surrounded by her loving family. Irene lived most of her life in New Bedford where she and the late Mario Lopes raised five boys during their 60-year marriage.
Irene is predeceased by her parents, Grace (Ricci Camaioni) and Dr. Vincent M. Sarlo, her sons, Michael Lopes and Vincent Lopes, and her daughters-in-law, Heather Lopes and Kristine Lopes.
She was a gentle, eternal optimist who was proud of bringing three healthy triplet boys into the world. Irene enjoyed welcoming family and friends to her home every Wednesday for macaroni where there was always room for one more. Affectionately called ‘Rosie’, ‘Munchkin’ and ‘Mini Mouse’, she was known to be the best dressed on any occasion given her great sense of fashion.
Irene will be missed by her three sons, James Lopes and wife Kimberly, Daniel Lopes and wife Kathleen, and Paul Lopes and girlfriend Meredith, 12 grandchildren, and 13 great-grandchildren.
The family would like to express their gratitude to the entire team at Sippican Healthcare Center and Fidelis Hospice for their kindness, love and care for Irene.
Her visitation will be held on Friday February 17th from 4-7 PM at the Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home for Funerals, 50 County Rd., Route 6, Mattapoisett. Her Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday February 18th at 10 at St. Gabriel the Archangel Parish, 343 Tarkiln Hill Rd., New Bedford. Burial will follow in Pine Grove Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Irene can be made to the International Rett Syndrome Foundation, (rettsyndrome.org) to benefit those afflicted like granddaughter Michelle. For online condolence book, please visit www.saundersdwyer.com.