Delores (Matias) Sylvia, 88, of New Bedford died Wednesday December 21, 2011 at the Royal of Fairhaven surrounded by her loving family. She was the wife of the late Arthur Sylvia.

Born in Faial, Azores, the daughter of the late Francisco and Maria Gloria (Farias) Matais, she lived in New Bedford most of her life.

She was a communicant of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, where she was a member of the Prayer Group.

Mrs. Sylvia was formerly employed as a hairdresser for FranDel's Beauty Salon and Scotti's Beauty Salon.

She loved to sing.

Survivors include two daughters, Sandra Matthews of Fall River and Joyce Strangis of New Bedford; six grandchildren; twelve great-grandchildren; and nine great-great-grandchildren.

She was the sister of the late Maria Carmen Costa, Maria Constance Amaral, and Francisco Matais.

Her Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Tuesday at 10:30 AM at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church. Visiting hours will be on Monday from 4-7 PM at the Saunders-Dwyer Home for Funerals, 495 Park St., New Bedford. For directions and guestbook, please visit www.saundersdwyer.com.