Laurentina Maria (Silva) de Melo, 54 of Lowell, passed away after battling a long term illness on Saturday, March 2, 2024 at Mass General Hospital in Boston.
She was born on September 11, 1969 in Sao Jorge, Azores, Portugal, and was a daughter of the late Honorato Cardoso da Silva and the late Maria Lucinda Azevedo (Laureano) Silva. Her upbringing began in Sao Jorge until 1977, when she relocated to the United States with her family, settling in Lowell.
Laurentina graduated from Lowell Voke Class of 1988, before attending UMass Lowell, and Rivier College where she earned her Bachelor's Degree in Education. She dedicated her career to teaching special education, first at the LightHouse School in Chelmsford, then at Pinkerton Academy in Derry, NH, until illness forced her into early retirement.
Mother of Samantha de Melo of Lowell, and Alexandre de Melo of Lowell, she is also survived by her grandchildren, Isabella and Sophia; as well as her siblings, nieces, nephews, and other family.
In addition to her parents, she was welcomed into heaven by her granddaughter, the late Emma Maria Lizardo de Melo.
Her funeral mass and burial were held privately.