Irene DaSilva, 70, of New Bedford died May 5, 2004 at the Oaks Nursing Home after a long illness.

She was the wife Jose Mendes and daughter of the late Aniceto and Angelina (Correia) DaSilva.

Irene was born in Brava, Cape Verde and lived there most of her life before moving to New Bedford 5 years ago.

She was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in Dartmouth.

Irene was a nice, kind and loving person who enjoyed caring for her family.

Survivors include her husband; 3 sons, Fortunato Mendes of New Bedford, Domingos Mendes of Praia, Cape Verde and Jose A. Mendes of Brava, Cape Verde; 2 daughters, Julia DaRosa and Aureliana Mendes, both of New Bedford; a brother, Autilio DaSilva of New Bedford; 2 sisters, Maria Correia and Deolinda DaSantos, both of New Bedford; 11 grandchildren, 6 great-grandchildren, several nieces and nephews.

She was the sister of the late Julio DaSilva.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend her Funeral Service in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, 400 Crossroad, Dartmouth, Saturday, May 8th at 9 AM.

Visiting hours at the Saunders-Dwyer Home for Funerals, 495 Park St., New Bedford Friday, May 7th from 6-9 PM.

Interment Sacred Heart Cemetery.