Mary C. (Silva) DeMello, 81, of New Bedford died Saturday January 15,2005 at St. Luke's Hospital after a long illness. She was the wife of Albert DeMello; they were married for 62 years.
Born in New Bedford, she had lived in Dartmouth and New Bedford for many years.
She was a communicant of St. Julie Billiart Church in North Dartmouth.
Mrs. DeMello and her husband owned and operated Sylvia & Brown Market on Union Street, where she was well-known for her homemade potato salad and delicious cakes until retiring in 1985.
Mrs. DeMello was a devoted mother to her children. At one time, she was a Girl Scout leader for Troop 33. Her greatest joy was spending time with and cooking for her husband, children and grandchildren, creating many lasting and priceless memories. During one Thanksgiving, she opened up her home to a group of grateful young men serving in the U.S. Coast Guard with her son-in-law who were unable to return their homes for the holiday. Throughout the years, she made hundreds of afghans that she would lovingly donate to local nursing homes and charities for those who were in need and less fortunate.
Survivors include her husband; a son, Albert DeMello, Jr. and his wife Gail of North Dartmouth; a daughter, Nancy Francis and her husband Daniel of Acushnet; and 5 cherished grandchildren, Scott Francis, Jeffrey Francis and his wife Heidi, Casey DeMello, Shawn DeMello, and Sarah DeMello.
Her Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Tuesday January 18, 2005 at 10 AM in St. Julie Billiart Church, North Dartmouth. Private Burial will follow in Massachusetts National Cemetery, Bourne. Visiting hours are omitted. In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital, P.O. Box 50, Memphis, TN 38101.