Maria Teresa Fernandes, 85, beloved mother and grandmother, passed away on May 12, 2021 peacefully at her daughter’s home in Dartmouth amongst her family.

Born in St. Miguel, Acores, Teresa was an avid cook who loved flowers, children, and spending time with family and friends.

She was a homemaker and cared for many children most of her life who adopted her as their own Tia and Vavó.

Teresa often would volunteer to help local restaurants and clubs cater special occasions for family and friends during her younger years.

She was the wife of the late Weber Fernandes of 56 years and the mother of the late Ida Fernandes.

She leaves behind 9 children, 19 grandchildren, and 13 great-grandchildren.

Survivors include her children: Luis Fernandes and Adrianna (Acushnet), Carminda Lerias and Jose (New Bedford), Victor Fernandes and Darlene (Freetown), Joseph Fernandes and Lisa (Acushnet), Lina Reis and Gilbert (Dartmouth), Maria Carreiro and Nelson (Dartmouth), Robert Fernandes and Susanna (Acushnet), Helia Monteiro and Alfred Silva (Acushnet), Stefanie Ferreira and Robert (Acushnet), along with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

The family would like to thank Vitoria Sousa who helped care for our mom for the past 7 years and all the other personal care attendants, hospice nurses and staff from Accent Care Inc, Coastline Elderly Services, and Brandon Woods Adult Day Care in Dartmouth.

Visiting hours are Monday, May 17 at Boulevard Funeral Home, 223 Ashley Blvd., New Bedford from 5-8 p.m.

All attendees are required to wear face coverings and practice social distancing.

Her funeral mass will be celebrated Tuesday, May 18 at Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception Church at 9 a.m. Burial will follow in Sacred Heart Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Alzheimer’s Association at act.alz.org in her honor.