Iria C. Arruda

Iria C. Arruda, our beloved mother, grandmother, and sister, 77, of New Bedford passed away on Thursday, October 29, 2026 after a brief battle with cancer. She was the wife of the late Herculano D. Arruda.

Born in the village of Agua De Pau, Sao Miguel, Azores, she was the daughter of the late Joao and Maria Carmen (Melo) Pacheco. She made New Bedford her home for the past 56 years, where she built a life centered around family, love, and the simple joys that meant so much to her.

Mrs. Arruda was a former Communicant of St. Francis of Assisi Church.

She was formerly employed as an assembly line worker for American Cable Systems.

Iria was a devoted mother whose love for her family was at the heart of everything she did. She found her greatest happiness in being surrounded by those she loved. Though she will be greatly missed, her love, warmth, and the special place she held in the hearts of those closest to her will never be forgotten.

Survivors include her two sons, Paul D. Arruda and his wife, Suzanne, of Dartmouth, and Rodney D. Arruda and his wife, Stephanie, of New Bedford; her grandson, Gabriel Arruda; her sister, Lucille Paiva and her husband, John, of Garner, NC; and her two Godchildren, Robert Paiva, his wife, Catherine, and their children, Evaleen and Xavier; and Gorette Musitano, her husband, Glen, and their children, Nathan, Alexis, and Joshua.

In keeping with Iria’s wishes, memorial donations may be made in her honor, in lieu of flowers, to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, supporting its mission to advance cures and means of prevention for childhood cancer and other life-threatening diseases. To make a memorial donation, please visit: https://www.stjude.org/give/memorials-and-dedications.html

Her funeral will be held Thursday, November 5, 2026 at 9 AM from the Saunders-Dwyer Home for Funerals, 495 Park St., New Bedford followed by her Funeral Mass at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church at 10 AM. Burial will follow in South Dartmouth Cemetery. Visiting hours are Wednesday, November 4th from 5-8 PM. For directions and guestbook, visit www.saundersdwyer.com.