Carol A. (Motta) Fernandes, 73, of New Bedford died Saturday, March 23, 2024 at St. Luke's Hospital.

Born in New Bedford, daughter of the late Charles and Alice (Fagundes) Motta, she lived in Fairhaven and New Bedford all of her life.

Carol loved poetry and the following is an obituary poem authored by her family:

Saturday

Saturday you left us, it's so hard for us to say
But throughout your life I would imagine, it was your favorite day

For Saturday is for the beach, for drinks, for fun, for laughs
Enjoying friends and family, with your smile and your class

You grew up in Fairhaven, that's where your fun was founded
You probably would have had more fun if you weren't always grounded

Daddy's girl you'll always be , your brother would agree
Then you went off to college at Salve Regina University

If the walls of Salve could talk, I wonder what they'd say?
That school would never again be the same on Saturday

And then when school was over, on graduation day
You earned your diploma, and you were on your way

For over thirty years, you used your teaching degree
Teaching the youth of New Bedford at Carney Academy

But school was Monday through Friday, and once the week would end
Saturday you would be found, with your family and friends

It seemed like you knew everyone, it's for sure a safe bet
You changed the life of everyone that you ever met

We all knew when you walked in, that's when the party would start
Disco dancing, toasting glasses, singing from the heart

We were always happy, to be your supporting cast
You were made to be the star, for as long as it would last

Then just like the books you loved to read, your life would turn a page
You became a mother and now had a costar to share your stage

You loved her more than anything, and gave to her the world
Anything for your Princess, your beautiful baby girl

Now on Monday through Friday you would both be at school
And Saturdays would now be filled with parties at the pool

Years went by so very fast, and soon she would be grown
She would become a mother and have a family of her own

Then your new name became Nana, and you were perfect for the part
Your life was filled with happiness, you loved with all your heart

It had to be a Saturday, that we would lose our star
Here's hoping everyday is Saturday, forever where you are

Carol is survived by her daughter, Alycia Wilkins and her husband John; three grandchildren, Leah, Lincoln, and Phoebe Wilkins; her brother, Charles Motta and his wife Mary Ann; two nephews, Douglas Motta and his wife Cristina, and Andrew Motta and his wife Lucia; and three great-nieces, Olive, Zoe, and Maxine.

Her Funeral will be held Thursday, March 28, 2024 at 10 AM from the Saunders-Dwyer Home for Funerals, 495 Park St., New Bedford followed by The Liturgy of the Word and Final Commendation at Holy Name of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Church at 11 AM. Burial will follow in Sacred Heart Cemetery. Visiting hours will be Wednesday, March 27th from 4-8 PM. In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105. For directions and guestbook, visit www.saundersdwyer.com.