Born in New Bedford, she was the daughter of the late John P. and Mary (Sylvia) Mello. Mrs. Fernandes worked at John I. Pauldings, O.V. Dress and Reynolds De Walt until she retired with her husband.
She was an avid Red Sox fan, enjoyed knitting, going to breakfast with her close friends, making peanut butter balls which she always shared. In later years she enjoyed doing puzzles and playing solitaire. She especially enjoyed her grandchildren and great grandchildren.
She is survived by her daughter Cheryl L'Heureux of New Bedford, her daughter Deborah Leedecke and husband Charles of New Bedford; three granddaughters, Tara Felix and husband Gene from Sandwich, Erica Thibodeau from New Bedford and Nicole Allaire from Acushnet; eight great-grandchildren, and three great-great grandchildren; her sister Rose Richard from Raynham, and brother John and his wife Lucille from Fairhaven, and several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by nine siblings.
The family will greet guests on January 9, 2017 at St. Josephs/St. Theresa’s Church on Acushnet Ave New Bedford, MA 9-9:45 am followed by a 10 am funeral Mass followed by burial to be with her husband…together again…at Pine Grove Cemetery. Arrangements are in the care of the Rock Funeral Home, 1285 Ashley Blvd., New Bedford.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Dana Farber Cancer Institute, 450 Brookline Ave., Boston, MA 02215.
For online tributes: www.rock-funeralhome.com.
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