Maria Irene Almeida, 96, of Somerset, passed away on Sunday, December 22, 2024, at Charlton Memorial Hospital. She was the widow of Francisco De Almeida, to whom she was married for 65 years. Born in Matados, Mangualde, Portugal, a daughter of the late Augusto da Costa Inacio and the late Antonia (de Jesus) Inacio, she emigrated to Fall River in 1965.

She was employed in the local textile industry, at the former Whaling Mfg., for many years until her retirement in 1990. Maria Irene was proud to have become a U.S. citizen in 1995 and felt strongly about voting as a civic duty. A longtime parishioner of Espirito Santo Church, she was devout in her faith and prayed the rosary daily. Maria Irene enjoyed cooking, stitching, gardening, caring for her family, and helping to raise her grandchildren and great grandchildren.

She is survived by: two children, Maria Odete de Pina (husband Jose) of Somerset and Abilio Almeida (wife Edite) of Somerset; three grandchildren, Paul de Pina (wife Cathy), Cristina de Pina (partner Damien Arlabosse), and Marina Almeida; a great grandson, Jarred de Pina; two step-great grandchildren, Chloe & Claire Arlabosse; two sisters-in-law, Carlota Domingues of Portugal and Maria da Luz Pinto (husband Jose) of Fall River; and several nieces and nephews. Maria Irene was predeceased by all her siblings, Jose da Costa Inacio, Avelar da Costa Inacio, Lurdes Inacio Andrade, Alfredo da Costa Inacio, and Aida de Jesus Inacio.

Her Funeral Mass was celebrated on Saturday, December 28th, at Espirito Santo Church followed by her committal at St Patrick Cemetery both in Fall River.

Family members are always grateful for relatives and friends wishing to make in-person expressions of kindness and support. If you were unable to do so, because of health concerns or any other reason, all are urged to express their sympathy online or by mail.

To ensure that said condolences and/or sympathy cards reach the family, please always make sure that submissions online are made directly through the funeral home's website (www.silvafaria.com) and not through a third party. Thank you!