Thelma Gouveia

Born in New Bedford, a daughter of the late Manuel Botelho and the late Maria A. (Miguel) Sylvia and her late husband Manuel E. Sylvia. A lifelong resident of New Bedford, she was a proud graduate of Diman Regional Vocational Technical School of Nursing. She was a member of the first graduating class, 1960. She was also a 1973 graduate of UMASS Dartmouth, formerly SMU, with a BA in Psychology and a Masters degree in Bilingual Education.

She became a certified teacher and guidance counselor of Portuguese Bilingual Education. She was employed by the New Bedford School Department at both former Roosevelt Jr. High School and New Bedford High School.

Thelma was a member of the Bristol County Retired Teachers Association, former president of the St. Hedwig Seniors Club, the Portuguese Women's Club and a friend of the South Dartmouth Library. She was a communicant of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church and St. Hedwig Church. She was life member of the descendants of the Whaling Masters.

She is survived by her children, Walter Gouveia of New Bedford and Jo Ann Gouveia and her husband Kevin Esposito of New Jersey; a sister, Rita O. Sylvia of New Bedford; and two nieces, Patricia Michaud and her husband Michael of Mattapoisett and Judith A. Botelho-Kalagher and her husband Patrick of Fl. She was the sister of the late Raymond Botelho and his late wife Elsie.

A Memorial Mass will be held in the near future.

Arrangements are in the care of the Rock Funeral Home, 1285 Ashley Blvd., New Bedford, Ma 02745