Dolores T. Furtado

Dolores Teixeira Furtado, a lifelong resident of New Bedford, Massachusetts, passed away peacefully on October 9, 2026, at the age of 97, following a short illness. She was surrounded by her loving family at Bridges by EPOCH in Pembroke, Massachusetts.

Born on September 13, 1929, Dolores was the daughter of Portuguese immigrants Antonio Teixeira and Elvira Ferreira. Her mother's participation in the women's suffrage movement instilled in Dolores a lasting sense of pride, independence, and strength-qualities that would define her throughout her life.

A Woman Ahead of Her Time

Dolores graduated from New Bedford High School, where she met her future husband, William Furtado Sr., when he returned from World War II. They married and raised their family in New Bedford. William predeceased her in 2002.

As a high school student, Dolores was a member of GAMS, an organization of women who supported the war effort. Inspired by her mother's example, she developed a strong sense of independence at a time when professional opportunities for women were limited. After high school, she attended Campbell Secretarial School, beginning a career that would become an extraordinary part of her life.

Dolores began working for a company selling wartime assets after World War II, followed by a position supporting the sales department at Morse Twist Drill Company. She ultimately became Office Administrator and Executive Assistant to the executive team of the New Bedford Teamsters Union, where she served for more than 20 years.

A highly capable and respected businesswoman, Dolores helped manage the daily operations of this large labor organization. Well known throughout New Bedford, she earned the respect of colleagues and leaders alike, demonstrating that a woman could build a successful career while also raising a family and maintaining a home. She took pride in her work and supported the growth of organized labor.

Dolores was also an active member of St. Mary's Church in New Bedford and the New Bedford Ivy Circle, an association of prominent and professional women in the community.

Family and Legacy

Above all, Dolores's greatest passion was her family. She took immense pride in her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, cherishing the bonds that connected generations. Her life reflected a remarkable balance of professional achievement, family devotion, faith, and community involvement.

Dolores is survived by her sons, William Furtado Jr. and his wife, Susan Furtado, and David Furtado, as well as her daughter-in-law, Frances Furtado. She was predeceased by her beloved husband, William Furtado Sr., and her son, Stephen Furtado. She is also survived by Stephen's wife Cheryl Furtado.

She was a proud grandmother to her six grandchildren, Lori Luzzo, William III and Catheryn Furtado, Dr. Curtis and Jennifer Furtado, Brent and Jenny Furtado, Erica and Justin Kennedy- Furtado, and Gregory Furtado, and a loving great-grandmother to ten great-grandchildren. Her nieces, Patricia Costa and Carolyn Baluch, held a special place in her heart and were like daughters to her.

Dolores lived 97 remarkable years, leaving a legacy of independence, perseverance, hard work, and unwavering love for her family. She carried the strength of her immigrant roots throughout her life and served as an example of what women could accomplish through determination, intelligence, and dedication.

She will be deeply missed by her family, friends, former colleagues, and all who knew her. Her influence will live on through the generations she nurtured and the example she set of a life lived with purpose, dignity, and love.

The family wishes to extend their sincere gratitude to the Bridges by EPOCH team for the extraordinary love, compassion and care they shared with her. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the "Bridge's Pembroke Employee Appreciation Fund". Checks may be mailed to 49 Cross St, Pembroke MA 02539.

Her visiting hours will be held on Monday, October 12th from 4-7 PM in the Saunders-Dwyer Home for Funerals, 495 Park St., New Bedford. Her Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Tuesday, October 13th at 9 AM in St. John Neumann 157 Middleboro Rd., East Freetown, MA 02717. Please meet directly at church. Burial will follow in St. John's Cemetery.