Mary Amaral

South Dartmouth-Mary (Linhares) Amaral, 91 years young, previously of North Abington, MA, and residing at Brandon Woods of Dartmouth, until her peaceful passing, surrounded by her loving family, on March 1, 2009, following a period of declining health.

She was born on May 4, 1917 in New Bedford, MA, to the late Manuel Linhares and Philomena (DeJesus) Linhares. Following her mother’s passing she was raised by her stepmother Maria (deJesus) Linhares, from the age of 4. Sister to the late Manuel Linhares of Acushnet, MA, the late Alice Rebello of NB, MA, and the late Agnes Freitas of CA. Sister in law to the late Eva Linhares of Acushnet MA, the late Frank Rebello of New Bedford, MA, the late Evelyn Pomte of Fairhaven, MA, and to the late John Ponte of Fairhaven, MA,

She worked as a stitcher at the former M & S Dress Co. in New Bedford, in her earlier years, and then moved to North Abington, MA, in 1956, where she worked as a stitcher at the former Way Manufacturing Co. . After her retirement, she kept herself busy stitching clothing for people out of her home for many years.

She most enjoyed spending time with her family and doing things for others. During her retirement years, while in her 80’s, she was awarded a commendation from the President of the United States for volunteering over 5,000 hours of service at the Randolph Senior Center. She enjoyed music, especially jazz, and learned to play saxaphone at a young age. She also enjoyed dancing, cooking, playing bingo and traveling. She was a former Communicant of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church in New Bedford.

She was the wife of the late Lionel Ponte and the late Raymond Amaral. Survivors include her daughter Philomena (Bruneau) Phillips and son-in-law Earle O. Phillips Jr. of NB, MA; granddaughter Kim Bruneau of NH, and Jo Ann Pereira and her husband Russell of NB, MA; great granddaughters Kristen Casey and Rachel Linhares both of NB, MA; great grandson Ryan Phillips of TN; great great grandchildren Nikolaus Costa, Madison and Lylah Casey all of NB, MA; godson Lionel Ponte of NB, MA;, nieces Lorraine Braley of New Bedford, MA, Mary Jane Kirk and her husband Bill of New Jersey, nephew Ed Meireles of California, niece Mary Branch of California, nephew Steven Linhares of Acushnet, MA, niece Joyce Tillett of Acushnet, MA, and several other nieces and nephews.

Donations to the American Cancer Society, 5 Manley St. West Bridgewater, MA. 02379 or to Beacon Hospice 529 Main St. Suite 101 Boston, MA. 02129. Flowers are also welcome, as Mary loved flowers.

In accordance with her wishes, she was cremated. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Perry Funeral Home 111 Dartmouth St. New Bedford, MA. on Saturday, March 14, 2009. Visitation will be at 7:45 A.M. followed by a mass at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church 230 Bonney St. New Bedford, MA, at 9:00 A.M. and interment at St. John Cemetery 664 Allen St. New Bedford, MA.