Mary E. Mello, 86, of New Bedford died Friday May 4, 2007 at St. Luke's Hospital.
Born in East Providence, RI, the daughter of the late John L. and Liduina (Medeiros) Mello, she had lived in New Bedford for most of her life.
She was a communicant of St. John the Baptist Church.
Miss Mello was the principal of St. James-St. John School for many years. She had also been a teacher at many area Catholic schools.
In 1998 she was recognized by the Diocese of Fall River for her significant contributions to Catholic Education. She also was a recipient of the Marian Medal.
Survivors include her sister, Hilda Butterfield of Riverside, RI; her sister-in-law, Norma Mello of Cranston, RI; and nine nieces and nephews.
She was the sister of the late John L. and Alfred Mello.
Her Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Monday at 10 AM in St. John the Baptist Church. Private burial will be in Gate of Heaven Cemetery, East Providence. Visiting hours Sunday 3-7 PM in the Saunders-Dwyer Home for Funerals, 495 Park St., New Bedford. For directions and guestbook, please visit www.saundersdwyer.com