Maria Fatima Medeiros, age 47, of 4499 Acushnet Avenue in New Bedford, MA, passed away on Friday, November 16, at the New Bedford Rehab Hospital, following a long battle with ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis), commonly known as Lou Gehrig's Disease. She was the beloved wife of Fernando Medeiros, of Fall River. Born on the island of St. Michael in the Azores, she was a daughter of the late Jose Faria and the late Adelaide (Luciano) Faria. After living in the Azores for seven years she immigrated to Fall River with her family in 1967. A Fall River resident for most her life, she was a graduate of B.M.C. Durfee High School and completed the CNA program at Bristol Community College. Before her illness forced her to retire she worked for many years as a seamstress at Chace Collections, formerly known as Chace Leather Company, and was also employed as a nurses assistant at several nursing homes. Mrs. Medeiros was a communicant of Espirito Santo Church and a former CCD teacher. In addition to her husband, Fernando, surviving family members include a son, Peter M. Medeiros and daughter, Elizabeth Marie Medeiros, both of Fall River, two brothers, Joseph Faria of Johnston, RI, and Manuel Faria of Fall River, a sister, Margaret Faria of Fall River, and many nieces and nephews. She was also the mother of the late Christina Marie Medeiros. Her Funeral Mass, celebrated by Father James Ferry, was offered on Tuesday (11/20) in Espirito Santo Church. Committal services followed at Notre Dame Cemetery. Pallbearers were Manuel, Joseph, Jason and Alfredo Faria, Kevin Cabral and Bob Cardoza. Memorial contributions may be sent to; ALS Association MA Chapter, 75 McNeil Way, Suite 310, Dedham, MA 02026.