Julia (Martin) Fortes, 86, of New Bedford died Tuesday November 8, 2005 unexpectedly at St. Luke's Hospital. She was the wife of the late John B. Fortes.
Born in New Bedford, the daughter of the late Antonio Martin and Andreza (Rebeiro) Martin Silva, she lived in New Bedford most of her life.
She was a parishioner of Our Lady of the Assumption Church.
Mrs. Fortes was formerly employed by the Cornell-Dubilier Electronics Corporation, the New Bedford City Clerk's office, and then Acushnet Company Rubber Division until her retirement.
Mrs. Fortes was a life member and past president of the Cape Verdean-American Veterans Ladies Auxiliary. She loved to dance.
Survivors include a daughter, Janet A. Brito of New Bedford, with whom she resided; a son, John Fortes and his wife Christina of New Bedford; a brother, Antone "Smoke" Silva of Wareham; three sisters, Joanna Rebeiro of Johnston,R.I., Louise Oliveira and her husband Reinaldo of New Bedford, and Dominga Payne of Oakland, Calif.; ten grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren, including Aaron Brito with whom she resided; and many nieces, nephews, and godchildren.
She was the sister of the late Mary S. Ribeiro and Albert "Smokey" Silva, and mother-in-law of the late Manuel "Piuna" Brito.
Funeral from the Saunders-Dwyer Home for Funerals, 495 Park St., New Bedford Monday November 14, 2005 at 8 AM. Funeral Mass at Our Lady of the Assumption Church at 9 AM. Relatives and friends are invited to attend. Visiting hours will be on Sunday November 13, 2005 from 2-4 and 7-9 PM. Burial will be in St. John's Cemetery.