Mary G. (Mello) Furtado, 61, of Swansea, formerly of Fall River, died Sunday after a brief battle with cancer. Born in Fall River, daughter of the late Edmund Mello and Julia (Rodrigues) Deltoro. After working for several years at the former Ann & Dale Mfg. Co. and former Elbe File Co., she went on to earn her GED in 1984 and continued her education with several college courses. An avid science fiction fan, she also wrote and had published several award winning short stories. Mary loved animals and taught those around her to respect them. She would want to be remembered for her pride, strength and fighting spirit. She was the loving mother of Julia Furtado-Lavoie (husband Michael), sister of Leonard and Edmund Mello, and stepsister of Julieann Mello. She also leaves several aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews. Her Funeral Mass, celebrated by Father Michael Ciryak, was offered on Friday (2/8) in St. Francis of Assisi Parish Church, Swansea. Committal services followed at Pocasset Hill Cemetery, Tiverton. Pallbearers were Jason, Lenny and Brandon Mello, Neil Furtado, Armand Lavoie and Doug Rodrigues.