Maria I. (da Silva) Fernandes, 76, of 74 Jencks St, Fall River, wife of Antonio R. Fernandes, died Monday, Jan. 14, 2008 at home after a short illness. Born in St. Michael, Azores, daughter of the late Jose & Maria Regina (Caraco) da Silva, she emigrated to Fall River in 1975. She worked for many years in the local textile industry until her retirement in 1993. Besides her husband of 52 years, survivors include: children, Teresina Pereira of Somerset, Joe Raposa, Mario Fernandes, Paula Borge & Connie Fernandes all of Fall River; many siblings in St. Michael; 6 grandchildren, 2 great grandchildren, several nieces and nephews. Her Funeral Mass was celebrated by Rev. Jim Ferry at Espirito Santo Church in Fall River. Her committal service was held at Notre Dame Cemetery. Pallbearers were Roger Pereira, Michael Borge and Michael Borge Jr., Mario Fernandes, Roggeria and Francis Pereira.