Maria E. (Viveiros) Fernandes

Maria Edalete (Viveiros) Fernandes, 75, passed away on Tuesday, July 18, 2023.

She was the wife of the late Fernando Fernandes.

Born in Madeira, Portugal, she was the daughter of the late Gabriel and Maria (DeJesus) Viveiros.

Maria immigrated from Porto Santo, Madeira to the US in the early 1980’s.  She was employed in the garment business but later became disabled.  Not knowing the English language, she obtained her US Citizenship and went on to further her education receiving her GED at age 52.  She was her classe’s valedictorian and was very proud to accomplish this goal.

Maria was a devoted catholic and volunteered her time with Catholic Social Services in Fall River as an interpreter, where she assisted the elderly Portuguese community in obtaining their citizenship.  Maria was also a cook for a brief time at the Catholic Convent on Highland Ave. where she made many friends. She was a devoted member of the Good Shepherd Parish.

In the past year, she resided at the assisted living facility on Columbia St. where she made many friends and enjoyed church services every morning.

Maria was a proud parent, mother-in-law and grandmother.  She loved her family with all her heart and often spoke to her friends about them and their accomplishments.  She was a proud grandmother and was looking forward to meeting her great grandchildren.

Maria is survived by three children, Emanuel Fernandes (wife Paula), Ana C. Fernandes (wife Vanessa), Fernando M. Fernandes (wife Tania), and was the mother of the late Jose Miguel Fernandes;

She also leaves five grandchildren, Damian Fernandes, Joshua Fernandes (wife Vanessa), Kayleigh Alfonso, Brianna Alfonso, and Joshua Carvalho; three great-grandchildren.

Maria was the sister of Juvenal Viveiros (wife Gilda), Gonçalo Viveiros (wife Alsina) and Manuel Viveiros (wife Maria Rosario) and also leaves many nieces and nephews.

Visitation is on Sunday, July 23, from 4:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. at the Auclair Funeral Home, 690 South Main St. Fall River.

(Barrier-free entrance from the parking lot)

Her funeral will be held Monday, July 24, at 9:00 A.M. from the funeral home, with a Funeral Mass at 10:00 A.M. at the Good Shepherd Church, 1598 South Main St, Fall River, MA. Interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in her honor to the American Heart Association or Donate Life New England.