Dolores "Lolly" Louise (Carmo) Spencer, 95, of Fairhaven, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on May 19, 2026, after a period of declining health. She was the beloved wife of Edward B. Spencer for 58 years until his passing in 2009.

Born in New Bedford, Massachusetts, Dolores was the daughter of the late John and Alice (Lopes) Carmo. She lived in New Bedford and later Fairhaven for most of her life.

Affectionately known as "Lolly," "Ma," "Gram," "Grammy," and "Mrs. Spencer," Dolores was the kind of woman who comes along once in a generation. Though she never led a lavish life, she carried herself with grace, dignity, and joy that made everyone around her feel safe and enriched. Deeply rooted in her faith and continuously filled with God's love, Dolores lived a life marked by warmth, compassion, generosity, sacrifice, and unwavering devotion to others.

To know her was to feel safe. She transformed every space into a welcoming home. Whether through her laughter, comforting words, or the thoughtful attention she paid to even the smallest details, she had a gift for making people feel seen, accepted, and deeply loved. She loved to laugh - loudly, freely, and without shame - often reminding those around her that "laughter is the best medicine." Her smile was unforgettable, her presence reassuring, and her spirit carried a peacefulness that comforted everyone nearby.

Dolores cherished her husband, Edward, and took great pride in the Spencer name. Their marriage was characterized by deep love, patience, enduring commitment, and many shared adventures. She was equally loyal in friendship, especially through her lifelong bond with Dolores Vieira, a friendship that lasted more than 90 years-a rare and beautiful testament to her loyalty, consistency, and love.

She valued her siblings, children, godchildren, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews more than words can express. Family was sacred to her, and her love extended well beyond her own household.

Dolores loved children and worked for many years as a teacher aide with the Head Start preschool program in the New Bedford Public School system. Following her retirement, she became a supervisor at the Bradford Russell Retirement Home for Women, now home of the Community Nurse Association of Fairhaven, where she formed many meaningful relationships with residents and staff alike. Later in life, she joyfully dedicated herself to helping care for her grandchildren, Dalton, Laurel, and Spencer, throughout their early years, a role she treasured deeply.

Serving others was never simply a responsibility to Dolores; it was woven into the fabric of her life. She gave generously, joyfully, and without expectation. Whether through sharing a warm meal, hosting a beautiful gathering, lending a listening ear, or opening her home to those in need, Dolores had a special gift for making what she had feel abundant.

She enjoyed shopping, decorating her home, singing, baking, animals, telling stories, writing, dancing, watching television, listening to music, playing the piano, and gathering with family. Her beauty was timeless, marked not only by her radiant smile and striking presence but also by the kindness and gentleness she extended to everyone she encountered.

Among all the gifts Dolores shared with her family, the greatest was Jesus.

Her faith was genuine and lived out in the way she treated others. She constantly encouraged her loved ones to pray, often saying, "Tell Him how you feel. Ask Him for what you need. Just talk to Him, He's always listening." Throughout her life, she taught her family that faith is not simply spoken, but lived daily through surrender to God, compassion for others, and unconditional love.

She welcomed others with open arms and loved without judgment. Even when she did not fully understand someone's path, she chose compassion first. Her life echoed the words of John 13:34: "Love one another. As I have loved you."

She is survived by her children, Dr. David Spencer of Mattapoisett, Anita Berryman and her husband LeRoy of Swansea, Ellen Gifford and her husband Michael of New Bedford, her cherished niece Lydia Murphy and her husband James of Fairhaven, and her bonus son Jimmy Gomes; siblings Catherine Cabral of Dartmouth and George Carmo of New Bedford; grandchildren: Melanie Edwards-Tavares, PhD, Melissa and D. J. Spencer, Dalton Gifford, Laurel and Spencer Berryman, Sarah Tavares and Roberto O'Campo; seven great-grandchildren, Shaun Monteiro, Saige Rittenhouse, Mary Chmiel and Ava Gajewski, Drake and Allie Gifford, and Zelly O'Campo; 4 great-great-grandchildren: Braelyn and Braxton Monteiro, and Avery and Emmett Rittenhouse; and her lifelong best friend Dolores Vieira; and many beloved nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her husband, Edward; her son, John; and her siblings, Louis Carmo, Robert Carmo, Charles Carmo, Michael Carmo, John Carmo, Ethel Fox, and William Do Carmo.

Dolores leaves behind a legacy of faith, service, compassion, and love that will continue to inspire generations. Though her absence will be deeply felt, her family finds peace in knowing that the woman who walked so closely with the Lord on earth has now been fully welcomed into His presence.

Everyone who knew Dolores knew what it meant to be welcomed, prayed for, laughed with, and loved profoundly. Her life was a living reflection of God's love, and her memory will continue to guide all who were blessed to know her.

"Just talk to Him, He's always listening."

The family extends its deepest and most heartfelt gratitude to the entire staff at Alden Court, with special appreciation for Keishla Ortiz and Tracie Smith, whose compassion, dedication, and unwavering kindness meant so much over these past four years. Your attentive and loving care created a true sense of home for Dolores, allowing her not only to be comfortable but to flourish truly. We will always be grateful for the dignity, warmth, and joy you brought into her life.

Visitation will be held on Friday, May 29, 2026 from 4-8 PM and on Saturday, May 30, 2026 from 10-11 AM followed by her Funeral Service at 11 AM in the Saunders-Dwyer Home for Funerals, 495 Park Street, New Bedford. She will be laid to eternal rest with her beloved husband at the Massachusetts National Cemetery in Bourne during a private burial service at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Dolores L. Spencer Fund for Early Childhood Education at the SouthCoast Community Foundation, 350 Union St., New Bedford, MA 02740.