Dolores M. (Lima) deMello

Dolores M. (Lima) deMello, 89 years old, passed on suddenly and peacefully at her home on the evening of June 20, 2022.

Born and raised in “New Village” East Taunton, she was the daughter of the late João M. and Maria (Melo) Lima and the sister of the late John W. Lima. She was educated in Taunton and became a licensed cosmetologist. During a family vacation to Terceira, Açores, while enjoying a bullfight, she laid eyes on José Vieira deMello and it was love at first sight. Three months later, they were married in Altares, Terceira, settled in Taunton, and enjoyed a loving marriage for over 65 years. Together they raised four children: Mary Lou Freitas and her husband José, Atty. Joseph F. deMello and his wife Theresa (Sidor), Dolores L. Milho and her husband Francisco, Atty. Gayle A. deMello Madeira and her husband Carlos. 

She briefly worked at Whittenton Garment and deMello’s Furniture, the family business, but what she most enjoyed was being a homemaker and caring for her children and grandchildren. She cherished family traditions, was the inspiration for annual Thanksgiving pie night and pancake Sundays, and always made sure her holiday decorations were just right. She proudly celebrated every family milestone. In her free time, she enjoyed crocheting, playing board games, and Sudoku. For over 25 years, Dolores and her husband entertained family and friends at their summer home, “Vivenda do Nosso Sonho” in São Carlos, Terceira, where they made lasting memories with their children and grandchildren. She loved sampling all types of foods, especially pastries and ice cream, and appreciated car rides, music, and Portuguese culture. She was also patriotic and a proud American.

Dolores was the beloved grandmother to ten grandchildren: Sonia Freitas Alva, Tania (Freitas) Sousa, Jacob Freitas, Ivana Freitas, Krista and Joseph K. deMello, Evan and Kiara Milho, and Talya and Colton Madeira; and six great-grandchildren: Luca, Davi, Catia, Ethan, Mateo, and Emilia, who were her pride and joy. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

Visiting hours will be held on Friday, June 24, 2022 from 4 to 7pm in the Silva Funeral Home 80 Broadway (at Saint Mary’s Square) Taunton. Additional parking with handicap access is located on the North side of the funeral home.

During visitation, the deMello family would appreciate facial coverings.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, June 25th at 10 am in Saint Anthony Church 126 School St., Taunton. Relatives and friends may meet directly at church at 9:45am. Interment will follow in Saint Joseph Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to Holy Ghost Society of East Taunton, Inc. of which she was a lifelong member since childhood and where her father was a co-founder.

For expressions of sympathy, to sign an online guestbook or to light a memorial candle, visit www.silvafuneralhome.com

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Dolores M. (Lima) deMello, please visit our floral store.