Maria Fernandes

Maria “Fatima” D. (Gomes) Fernandes, 75, of Westport, passed away from a long battle with cancer on April 7, 2024, at home, surrounded by her family.

    She was the loving wife of Manuel Mateus Fernandes, to whom she had been married to for 55 years.

    Born in Mosteiros, Sao Miguel, Azores, she was a daughter of the late Anibal Gomes and Luisa (Almeida) Gomes.

    Prior to retiring, Maria was employed for over 40 years at Quaker Fabrics (formerly Providence Pile). She faithfully attended mass at St. John the Baptist Roman Catholic Church for more than 40 years. She was known as a long time volunteer with the church, cooking malasadas at the annual church fair until her illness began. In her free time, she enjoyed cooking and spending time with her family. She especially enjoyed her grandchildren, whether it was making her famous pancakes that they loved, attending school events, or supporting them during the sports season.

    Along with her husband, Maria is survived by her children: Nancy Emond (spouse Paul), of Somerset, Michelle F. Vacanti, of Fall River, Lisa F. Mello (spouse Dennis), of Tiverton, Sonia F. Nickelson (spouse Keith) and Brian J. Fernandes, both of Westport; her siblings: Luis Gomes, of Fall River, Luisa Pacheco and Conceicao Gomes, both of Jerome, Idaho, Antonio Gomes, of Twin Falls, Idaho, and Anibal Joao Gomes, of Mosteiros, Sao Miguel, Azores; her grandchildren: Marissa, James, Luke, Emily, Evan, and Sophia; several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her brother Anibal Jose Gomes.

    Her funeral will be held Thursday, April 11, 2024, at 10:00 AM from the Oliveira Funeral Home, 215 Columbia St., Fall River, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 AM at Santo Christo Church, Columbia St., Fall River. Interment will be in Notre Dame Cemetery, Fall River. Calling hours will be held Wednesday evening, from 5 – 8  PM. Flowers are welcomed or donations to the National Foundation for Cancer Research (NFCR.org).

    A livestream of the funeral mass will be available at: https://fb.me/e/7C1fMBGpp