Eduarda DeMello

Eduarda (DeDeus) DeMello of New Bedford, Massachusetts, age 82, passed away on Wednesday, August 27, 2025, at her home, surrounded by her loving family. She was the devoted wife of the late Antone DeMello.

Born on September 29, 1942, in Ribeira Quente, Sao Miguel, Azores, she was the cherished daughter of the late Antonio Linhares DeDeus and Maria (Carvalho) DeDeus. Eduarda had a remarkable career, having worked at Columbia Electronics for many years before continuing her dedication at Hawthorn Medical Associates, where she was respected and appreciated by colleagues and patients alike.

Mom’s favorite saying was ‘the best time of her life was raising her 5 children.’ And we know she felt the same about all of her grandchildren.

Eduarda loved holidays and cooking for her entire family. She loved sharing her famous sweet rice, codfish cakes, favas and many other recipes with family & friends. Her family knew when going to visit with Vovoa you were definitely getting her famous cup of tea and probably a pop and kale soup. You never left Vovoa's house hungry.

She enjoyed traveling with her husband to Florida and loved her family vacations. She was often referred to as our Queen with a bit of diva in her. She so enjoyed having her nails and hair done that was a must. She deserved every bit of pampering she ever received. So well loved and respected by everyone. She was the ‘best time of our lives!’

Eduarda is survived by her children: Antone DeMello Jr. and his late wife Karen M., Paula Avellar and her companion Dennis DesJardins, Christine Cossette and her husband Richard Jr., and Lewis DeMello and his wife Suzette. Her legacy continues through her 18 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren, who will remember her warmth and love. She is also survived by her brothers, Antonio DeDeus and his wife Leona, Anterio DeDeus and his wife Fatima, Ernest DeDeus, Victor DeDeus and his wife Lia, and Arnold DeDeus, as well as her sister, Arminda Briggs, and many nephews and nieces.

Eduarda was predeceased by her beloved son, Kevin DeMello; As well as her sister, Isaura Aguiar, who is remembered fondly by those who knew them both.

Visiting hours and funeral services to honor Eduarda’s life will be held on Tuesday, September 2, 2025. Visiting hours will take place at Perry Funeral Home from 9:30 A.M. to 11:30 A.M., and followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at St. Mary’s Dartmouth at 12:00 P.M. Burial will immediately follow in South Dartmouth Cemetery.

The care of these arrangements has been entrusted to Perry Funeral Home, located at 111 Dartmouth St., New Bedford, MA 02740. At the rear of the funeral home, an ample lighted parking lot awaits, along with a handicap-accessible ramp entrance equipped with an automatic open door, ensuring ease for all who wish to pay their respects.