Luisa C. Melo, age 90, passed away peacefully at her home surrounded by her family on Thursday, July 18, 2024, after a long illness. She was predeceased by her husbands, Clarimundo DeMelo, who passed away in 2000, and Jose Jorge DaSilva, who passed away in 1964 in São Jorge, Azores, Portugal.
Luisa was born on June 21, 1934, in São Jorge, Azores, Portugal, to the late Joao De Sousa Amaral and the late Lucilia (Reis) Amaral. She was raised and educated in São Jorge, where she married her first husband, Jose Jorge DaSilva, and began her family. She worked as an accountant in the offices of a tuna company before relocating to Lowell with her second husband, Clarimundo DeMelo, and their family, settling in the Back Central Neighborhood.
A strong and passionate woman, Luisa was dedicated to her interests and hobbies. She loved crocheting, creating beautiful items for her family and friends, playing the piano, and engaging in card games. Cooking and baking for her family was another of her cherished pastimes, as was traveling, especially to Cape Cod with her husband and family. After her retirement she enjoyed traveling the country with her daughter. Luisa also enjoyed watching Latino soap operas.
Luisa was a devoted communicant of Saint Anthony's Church, and a member of the Holy Trinity Society. She cherished her time spent with the senior citizens at the Blue's Club, where she particularly enjoyed folk dancing, amongst other activities. She was an active member of the Holy Ghost Society, and she loved attending local Portuguese feasts.
Throughout her career, Luisa worked at various textile and electronics factories in the area and retired from Qualtronics in 1999.
Luisa is survived by her children: Jorge Silva and his wife Martha of Lowell, Lucilia Halliday and her husband Robert of Newton, Nelio Silva of Lowell and his companion Glorinda Medeiros of Dracut, Jose Silva and his wife Grenualda of Lowell and John L. Melo and his companion Lacalete of Florida; her grandchildren: Debora Resendes and her fiancé Christopher, Nicole Pagan and her husband Gabriel, Gianni Silva, Timothy Silva and his wife Melinda, Andrew Silva and his companion Valerie Griffin, Jennifer Bartolo and her husband Justin, Lisandra Silva and her companion Kristina Andrukaite, Adrian Silva and his wife Dieniffer, Derek Silva, Cassandra Silva, Rachel Silva, Tiffany Melo, Crystal Melo, and Johnny Melo; and her 11 great-grandchildren.
She is also survived by her siblings: Arlindo Amaral, Jose Amaral, and Isabel Lopes, all of the Azores, and Teresa Do Canto of Windsor, Canada; her sister-in-law Luisa Melo of Lowell; many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends, including her cousin and best friend Maria Zita Avila of Lowell. Luisa was predeceased by her brothers Joao Amaral and Rafael Amaral.
On Wednesday, July 24, 2024 all are welcome to attend her calling hours from 9-11 a.m. at McDonough Funeral Home, 14 Highland Street, Lowell 978-458-6816. Her funeral mass will be offered at 12 noon at St. Anthony Church, 893 Central Street, Lowell; followed by burial in the Lowell Cemetery.