Celina (Cordeiro) Oliveira, 96, of New Bedford, passed away peacefully at home Friday, July 8, 2016. She was the widow of John J. Oliveira and daughter of the late Manuel Cordeiro Amarelo and Maria (Marques) Amarelo.
Born in Fall River, Mrs. Oliveira resided in New Bedford for most of her life and was a parishioner of St. Mary’s Church, New Bedford. Bishop Daniel A Cronin personally presented her with the Marian Medal.
Mrs. Oliveira owned and operated her own beauty salon in downtown New Bedford for many years and later was employed as an Administrative Assistant to her son, Dr. Lawrence J. Oliveira at Orthodontic Specialists of Southeastern Massachusetts.
She cherished the time she spent with her family especially house visits where everyone had to go home with a lollipop. Celina was an avid reader, enjoyed traveling by car for long rides and watching her game shows on TV. Celina had a great memory and heartwarming smile.
Her family includes her daughter, Teresa M. Gaffney and her husband James of Dartmouth, two sons, the Rev. Msgr. John J. Oliveira, P.A. pastor of St. Mary’s Church, New Bedford and Dr. Lawrence J. Oliveira and his wife, Charlotte of Mattapoisett; eight grandsons, Paul Gaffney, Mark Gaffney, Michael Gaffney, Christopher Gaffney, Neil Oliveira, Kevin Oliveira, Steven Oliveira and Philip Lima; 18 great-grandchildren and one niece, Madeline Amarelo.
Mrs. Oliveira was predeceased by her twin daughters, M. Gloria Lima and Celina R. Oliveira; two brothers and a sister.
Celina’s family would like to thank her longtime caregivers, Rebecca, Irene, Judy and Kelly for their excellent care and patience shown to her on a daily basis. Also thanks to recent caregivers Community Nurse Home Care, especially Sandy and Maria. Lastly thanks to Nurse Avril for her organization and support.
For those wishing to express their sympathy, Mrs. Oliveira’s family will receive guests in the church at 10 am prior to the Mass. Her funeral Mass will be celebrated in St. Mary’s Church, 343 Tarkiln Hill Rd., New Bedford, MA 02745 Thursday morning at 11:00. Burial at St. John’s Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Mrs. Oliveira’s memory to the St. Vincent de Paul Society of St. Mary’s Church, 106 Illinois St., New Bedford, MA 02745.
Funeral arrangements entrusted to AUBERTINE – LOPES FUNERAL HOME, 129 Allen St., New Bedford. For online guestbook, please visit www.aubertine-lopes.com
