Esperanza B. Espinola, 68, of Fitchburg, Massachusetts, formerly of New Bedford, Massachusetts, entered into eternal rest on August 8, 2026.

Born in the Philippines to Basilio and Minelia Bides, Esperanza was the eldest of seven children. In 1987, she came to the United States with her eldest daughter, Remynelle, on their first plane ride together. She courageously began a new life in Massachusetts while carrying with her the traditions and values of her Filipino heritage.
Esperanza was a devoted mother and Lola (grandmother in Tagalog).

To those who knew her, she was known as Espy. Esperanza worked as a bookkeeper for Seatrade International before continuing her career at the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth, where she retired in 2022.

After many years in New Bedford, Esperanza moved to Fitchburg in 2023. Although she made a new home there, New Bedford remained close to her heart. She frequently returned to visit family and friends, especially after the commuter rail finally opened, making it easier for her to make the journey back to the city she had called home for so many years.

She will be dearly missed by her daughters, Remynelle Horton (Samuel) and Marie Espinola, and her grandsons, Victor and Maximo Horton, all of New Bedford. Her memory will be treasured by her former husband, Eduardo Espinola.

She is lovingly remembered by her siblings, Leonila Bides and Imelda Valdriz of New Bedford, Massachusetts; Larry and Jenny Bides of Las Vegas, Nevada; Basilio Bides, Jr. of the Philippines; Jonathan and Lota Bides of Rosetown, Saskatchewan, Canada; and Oliver and Catherine Bides of Brantford, Ontario, Canada, as well as many beloved nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends.

Esperanza now joins her beloved parents, Basilio and Minelia Bides, and her brother-in-law, Elmar "Bong" Valdriz, in everlasting rest.

One of Esperanza's greatest joys was cooking Filipino food. She loved preparing traditional dishes and sharing them with family and friends. Through her cooking, she shared not only her food but also her culture, generosity, and love.

Esperanza will be remembered for her strength, devotion to family, warm heart, and the many memories she created around her kitchen table. Her love and legacy will continue through her children, grandchildren, siblings, and all those fortunate enough to have known her. The family would also like to extend their deep gratitude to the ICU and Neurology staff at Milford Medical Center.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Espy's memory may be made to St. Jude's Children's Hospital.

Visiting hours will be held on Saturday, August 15, 2026 from 2:00 pm - 5:00 pm, followed by a Funeral Service and Celebration of Life from 5:00 pm - 6:00 pm at Saunders-Dwyer Home For Funerals 495 Park Street, New Bedford, MA 02740.

She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

Paalam po (Goodbye Mom, Ate, Lola, Tita) until we can meet you again.