Maria Gloria (Defrias) Melo

New Bedford - On June 25, 2011, Maria Gloria Melo, born July 22, 1942, lost her battle for life, after a long illness. Born in Vila Franca do Campo, St. Michael, Azores, she came to this country at the age of 11, a wide eyed innocent child. Gloria lived in this area all her life and owned and operated Natural Foods Market for 33 years before retiring.
Mrs. Melo leaves behind her loving husband of 47 years, Antonio Melo, two sisters: Leonora Moniz and Maria Santos, three brothers: Everisto Frias, Antonio deFrias and Adelino deFrias, 20 nieces and nephews and many loving friends and family. She is predeceased by her oldest brother Alfredo deFrias. Gloria was the daughter of the late Maria (Bernado) deFrias-Ventura and Alfredo deFrias.

Mrs Melo’s funeral will be Wednesday at the Perry Funeral Home 111 Dartmouth St. at 8 A.M. with a Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated at St. John the Baptist Church at 9 A.M. Burial will follow at Rural Cemetery. Relatives and friends are invited to visiting hours on Tuesday evening from 5 - 8 P.M.