Eva Arruda

Eva (Fernandes) Arruda, 96, of Acushnet passed away peacefully on Thursday, February 8, 2024 in Sacred Heart Home. She was the wife of the late Edward A. Arruda with whom she shared 47 years of marriage. She was the former wife of Andrew A. Walega.

Born in New Bedford, a daughter of the late Manuel Fernandes Pombo and Rose (Rodrigues) Fernandes, she was a lifelong resident of the area.

Eva, who was later known as “Eve”, worked at John I Paulding’s for several years. She then became a very successful furniture sales lady for nearly thirty years, first at U.S. Furniture and then at La-Z-Boy. Her friendliness, warm personality and considerable bi-lingual skills propelled her success.

She also worked for the Town of Dartmouth Town Clerk’s Office during elections.

She enjoyed socializing with her family and friends, and loved going for breakfast, sometimes at a moment’s notice. When she was younger she loved to travel, hosting card parties with her beloved card friends, and hosting many summer cookouts and pool parties.

Eva had special memories with Richard. She and Ed spent a portion of the winter at Richard’s home in Port Charlotte. They loved going to Florida, relaxing by the pool, taking in some of the Red Sox spring training, and cruising around the Port Charlotte area.

She loved talking about politics with Richard, she kept up with current events, especially in the city of New Bedford. In addition to CNN, the Portuguese channel, Christmas, dancing and musical specials, she enjoyed watching the Red Sox and Patriots and even attended several Super Bowl parties!

When at home her day began with an alarm set to her favorite radio station WBSM. She would occasionally call open line to give her opinion on the topic of the day.

Karen and Eve had an especially strong mother-daughter bond. Eve doted over Karen all through childhood, school and beyond. They talked often and went places together. As Eve grew older Karen grew protective of her even having her and Ed stay at Karen’s home during big winter storms. Once confined to nursing home life, Karen doted over Eve, a constant presence assuring Eve received the best of care.

Eve was especially proud of her Madeiran heritage. She loved attending the Feast of the Blessed Sacrament to have dinner with her family and enjoy the entertainment. She never missed the opening ceremony, the four nights of entertainment, the Mass, and the parade. She loved the festa at St. Mary’s Fairhaven, and never missed the Sunday procession. The festa in Fall River was also a treat. She loved listening to the Portuguese Bands with Ed and Karen.

But her greatest love and constant source of lifelong joy was babysitting her grandchildren and then her great grandchildren. She always recounted her different babysitting experiences in detail with a smile laughter, and tears of joy.

Her last years were spent in the care of Tabor Nursing Home, and then Sacred Heart Home where she greeted a constant flow of visiting staff, friends and family. Her children are especially grateful for the wonderful, compassionate care of the Sacred Heart Home, and Beacon Hospice staffs.

On her 96th Birthday in October she declared her joy to be alive, and looked forward to more days of living. Hers was a humble, happy, successful, and grateful life grounded in her Catholic Faith.

Eve is survived by her two children, Karen A. Walega of Acushnet and Richard A. Walega and his wife Carolyn of Florida; two grandchildren, Kathleen (Cobb) and her husband Erin of South Dartmouth, and Richard and his wife Melissa of South Boston; their mother Virginia M. Walega of South Dartmouth; three great grandchildren Tabitha and Maxwell Cobb, and Holland Hughes Walega as well as several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her sister Pauline and her husband William Reilly of New Bedford, and her brother Manuel Fernandes and his wife Lydia (Ferreira) of California.

Her cherished and devoted extended family included the late Jennie Jardin and her son the late Donald Kaminski, his wife Judy Kaminski, Irmgard Arruda, the late Bob and Betty Mullen, Karyn Janssen, Lucy Correia, Isabel Correia, and the Correia Family.

She stayed in touch with her large and extended network of friends, and made many friends in her local travels.

Her Funeral Mass will be held on Tuesday, February 27, 2024 at 10am in St. Mary's Church, Main St., Fairhaven. Burial will be at 2:30pm in the Massachusetts National Cemetery, Bourne. For online tributes: www.rock-funeralhome.com.