Hilda M. (Costa) Conner, 97, of Fairhaven passed away peacefully on Tuesday September 17, 2024 at her daughter's home surrounded by her loving family.  She was the wife of the late Charles O. Conner.

Born in New Bedford, the daughter of the late Manuel and Belmira (Melo) Costa, she and her family lived in various parts of the United States while her husband was serving in the U.S. Navy.  She later lived in the Greater New Bedford area for many years.

Hilda was a well-known entertainer, singing and playing the guitar as a member of the Country Memories Band.  She was the winner of New Bedford's Got Talent Senior Division in 2009.  She recorded her first CD "Hilda Conner – Live & Kickin" at the age of 90.  She loved playing, singing, and entertaining at the Wednesday jam sessions with her friends.

As the matriarch of her large family, Hilda's love for her family was first and foremost.  Always positive, she saw the bright side of everything, even in bad times.  She always knew how to cheer up her children.  Her optimism and sense of humor were not outweighed by her beauty, strength, and grace, right up to the end. She was an excellent cook, with some of her specialties being fried chicken, fried Calis, and an award-winning apple pie.

She is survived by her children, Linda Silva and her husband Joseph of Bristol, RI, Hildy Nolan and her husband Don of Fairhaven, Charlene Fitts and her partner Paul Moniz of New Bedford, Charles Conner of Tahlequah, OK, Brian Conner and his wife Miriam of New Bedford, and Scott Conner and his wife Darcey of Carver; her brothers, Daniel Costa and Ronald Costa, both of New Bedford, and Raymond Costa of Florida; 15 grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her siblings, Bernice Galligo, Lillian Lyle, Melba Gordon, Evelyn Farland, and George Costa.

Her funeral service will be held on Wednesday September 25th at 11:30 AM at the Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home for Funerals, 50 County Rd., Route 6, Mattapoisett.  Visitation will be on Wednesday morning from 9:30-11:30 AM prior to the service. A private family burial will take place in Cushing Cemetery.  For online condolence book, please visit www.saundersdwyer.com.