Fairhaven — Ernestina P. Mendonca, age 98 of Fairhaven formerly of New Bedford, passed away peacefully at Our Lady’s Haven on Wednesday, April 12, 2017. She was born in New Bedford, at the age of 2 she went to live in St. Michael, Azores with her parents. At the age of 30 she returned to New Bedford. She was a communicant of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church in New Bedford for many years where she was baptized.
She was preceded in death by her husband of over 60 years, Manuel P. Mendonca (1916-2006), her sister Alice Oliveira, and 2 brothers Eduardo Mendonca and George Mendonca.
Ernestina is survived by 3 children: Mary Allen & her husband Charles of Seattle, WA, Juliette Mauricio and her husband Jose of New Bedford, Fernanda DaSilva of Fairhaven, 2 siblings: Jose Mendonca of Canada and Adelina Couto of Dartmouth. She is also survived by 9 grandchildren: Mario, Anne, Wendy, Roy, Jeffrey, Jaimy, Kimberly, Jennifer and Catherine, as well as 21 great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.
Her funeral will be Tuesday beginning in the funeral home at 9:30 A.M. with a Mass of Christian Burial to take place at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church at 10:30 A.M. Burial will follow in St. John Cemetery. Visitation will be Monday evening from 5 – 8 P.M. Ernestina’s family wishes to express their gratitude to the staff at Our Lady’s Haven for the wonderful care and compassion shown to her during her 4 years as a resident. Arrangements placed in the care of Perry Funeral Home 111 Dartmouth St. New Bedford, MA 02740.