Dora M. Goncalves

Dora Maria Gonçalves, 83, of Bristol, RI, died on January 23, 2025. She was born on March 3, 1941, in São Gonçalo on the beautiful Island of Madeira, Portugal to José Lourenço Gomes and Maria de Encarnação Ferreira Gomes. She was the wife of the late Manuel Raimundo Gonçalves for over 64 years.

She moved with her family to the United States and settled in Bristol in March of 1969. While in the United States, Dora began working in the garment industry at M & M Sportswear on Cutler Street in Warren as a seamstress. She soon focused her talents on dressmaking and alternations. A talented seamstress, she designed beautiful clothing from wedding dresses to everyday wear. She assisted many brides in fitting and altering their wedding gowns while working from home, at a bridal boutique in Bristol and at the former Gazebo in Middletown. Her greatest pleasure was her role of a loving wife, mother and avó.

Dora was a member of St. Elizabeth Church in Bristol. She was associated for many years with the Grupo Folclorico Madeirense, S.S. Sacramento, in New Bedford. Dora loved to cook, travel and spend time with her family and friends.

Dora is survived by her loving daughter, Isabel Daniels and her husband John; her beloved grandson Ryan and his fiancée, Alexandra Aguiar; her godchildren; several nieces; and cousins. Also surviving is her beloved caregiver, Mary Glazier, and her many friends.

Dora’s funeral services will be on Monday, January 27. The family will receive guests from 9 – 10:30 AM at the George C. Lima Funeral Home, 367 High Street. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 AM at St. Elizabeth’s Church, 577 Wood Street. Burial will follow in St. Mary’s Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to: St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105; or online at: www.stjude.org/donate

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