Mary Nunes Nascimento, 98, beloved mother, grandmother and great grandmother passed away on July 24, 2024 at Catholic Memorial Home in Fall River, with her daughter by her side.

Born in, and a lifelong resident of Fall River, she was the daughter of the late Antonio and Nazare (Guiomar) Nunes.

Mary and her husband Joseph Nascimento shared a loving life together during 67 years of marriage, until his death in 2010.

Left with heartfelt memories are her daughter Linda McHugh and her husband Kevin McHugh of Rehoboth MA, her grandson Matthew Gamache, his wife Erica Schattle, and her great granddaughters Alice Gamache and Nora Gamache of Somerville, MA.

Mary worked in the garment industry in Fall River for many years, then as a seamstress at Taunton State Hospital. She had many talents, including sewing, crocheting and doing needlepoint. She enjoyed crossword puzzles and playing cards.

Mary suffered many hardships in her childhood, the tragedy of being orphaned at 12 years old, and the resulting foster care she was made to endure. Yet she found the inner strength to become a loving wife, mother and friend. Her family was her greatest joy.

She was an advocate of equality and fair play. As an International Ladies' Garment Workers' Union shop steward, she fought to have Christmas Day become a paid holiday. Mary was a generous, hard working, thoughtful, strong and loving woman. She will be missed.

Her family would like to thank the staff at Catholic Memorial Home for the care, skills and compassion Mary was shown, especially during her final days.

Her wake will be on Tuesday July 30, 2024 at the Almeida Funeral Home, 1309 Globe Street, Fall River MA from 8:30 – 9:30 AM. It will be followed by a 10 AM funeral Mass at Holy Trinity Church, 951 Stafford Road, Fall River. Interment will be at Notre Dame Cemetery, 1540 Stafford Road in the Assumption Chapel, followed by a repast luncheon at White's Restaurant, 66 State Road, Westport MA.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Cure Alzheimer's Fund, 34 Washington St, Suite 310, Wellesley Hills, MA 02481