Olinda "Maia" (Pires) Tavares, 90, of New Bedford, MA died February 2, 2024 at St Luke's Hospital surrounded by her family. She was the daughter of the late Carlotta Texeira and Julio Pires.
Olinda,"Maia", as she was lovingly referred to was the wife of Jose "djedje" Tavares with whom she shared 70 years of marriage and a lifetime of memories.
Maia, was born and raised in Brava, Cape Verde, and lived in New Bedford since 1969. She was a homemaker and raised her 8 children with a calm and loving heart. Many would describe her as a sweet, gentle soul who always saw the good in people and always kept her doors open to everyone. She loved to garden and gather around family and friends while enjoying a good meal. She also loved God and was a parishioner of Our Lady of the Assumption Catholic Church.
After her children grew older Maia, then joined the workforce as an inspector for Cliftex Corporation. During her later years Maia spent much of her days at the Brandon Woods Adult Daycare Center which she truly loved. Rain or shine she wanted to be there. Her favorite activities included painting and coloring. She enjoyed sharing her artwork with family. She felt empowered and became a wonderful storyteller.
Surviving in addition to her husband, are her children which include: 3 sons, Manuel Tavares and his wife Maria of Providence, RI, Raimundo Tavares and his wife Elisabeth, Julio Tavares both of New Bedford; her 4 daughters, Eugenia Freeman, Ana Bence, Maria Tavares all of New Bedford, and Susan Silva and her husband Ramiro of Attleboro, MA. Also, her daughter-in-law Dominga "Eguete" Tavares of Longwood, FL. Her sister-in-law Ana "Nana" Tavares, 2 brothers-in-law Napolean "Pulao" Almada and his wife Dinora "Toia" and Alberto Barros, and 15 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; and 8 great-great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
Maia was the mother of the late Henrique "Djica" Tavares and the sister of the late Ana Barros and Jose Texeira.
The family would like to thank the entire staff especially the nurses and aides at the New Bedford Jewish Convalescent Home all of whom were always so nice to Maia and took such special care of her.
Her funeral will be held on Friday, February 9th at 9 a.m. at the Saunders-Dwyer Home for Funerals. 495 Park St., New Bedford, followed by her Funeral Mass at Our Lady of Assumption Catholic Church at 10 a.m. Burial will follow in St. John's Cemetery. Visiting hours will be held Thursday, February 8th from 4-8 pm. For online condolence book, please visit www.saundersdwyer.com