Archangela M. "Canja" (Santos) Fortes of New Bedford died on her 90th birthday Monday May 25, 2009 unexpectedly at St. Luke's Hospital. She was the wife of the late Theophilo M. Fortes.
Born in Providence, RI, the daughter of the late Rafael and Mary (Ramos) Santos, she had lived in New Bedford for most of her life.
She was a communicant of Our Lady of the Assumption Church, where she was a member of the Sacred Hearts Society.
Mrs. Fortes was formerly employed as a custodian at New Bedford City Hall until her retirement. She had previously worked for the Aerovox Corporation and the Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company
She was a member of the Cape Verdean Women's Club and the Cape Verdean-American Veterans Association Ladies Auxiliary.
Survivors include three sons, Theophilo M. Fortes Jr. and his wife Carol Almeida-Fortes, Antone T. Fortes and Joseph P. Fortes, all of New Bedford; two daughters, Jacqueline Fortes Pina and Maria Rozario, both of New Bedford; a sister, Inez Santos of New Bedford; nine grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; and two nephews.
She was the mother of the late Jerardo A. Fortes and brother of the late Antone Santos.
Her Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Friday at 9 AM in Our Lady of the Assumption Church. Burial will follow in St. John's Cemetery. Visiting hours will be on Thursday from 4-8 PM at the Saunders-Dwyer Home for Funerals, 495 Park St., New Bedford. For directions and guestbook, please visit www.saundersdwyer.com.