Maria Zelia (Melo) Oliveira, 86, of New Bedford died March 24, 2025 at Care One at New Bedford surrounded by her family.
She was the wife of the late Paulo P. Oliveira.
Born in Ribeira Quente, São Miguel, Açores, she was the daughter of the late Francisco Melo Pine and Angelina (Raposo) Pine, she lived in New Bedford since 1969.
She enjoyed spending time with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Survivors include her eight children, Paul Oliveira and his wife Brenda, Antonio Oliveira, Nelson Oliveira, Fatima Sylvia and her husband Steve, and Fernando Oliveira and his wife Christine, all of New Bedford, Joe Oliveira and his wife Connie, all of Assonet, Luis Oliveira and his wife Adelaide and Octavio Oliveira, all of Freetown; a son-in-law, Jose Melo of New Bedford; a brother, Joao Pine of New Bedford; a sister, Maria De Deus Viera of New Bedford; many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
The family would like to thank the entire staff at Care One at New Bedford for the wonderful care that Maria received.
She was the mother of the late Esperanca Melo and infant Esperanca Oliveira, the grandmother of the late Kevin Oliveira, Christopher Oliveira and Amanda Oliveira, the mother-in-law of the late Joanne Oliveira and the sister of the late Leonor and Angelo.
Her Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Friday, March 28th at 10 AM at the Holy Name of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Church, 121 Mount Pleasant St., New Bedford.  Burial will follow in Pine Grove Cemetery. Visiting hours will be on Thursday, March 27th from 4-8 PM in the Saunder-Dwyer Home for Funeral, 495 Park St, New Bedford. In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made Care One at New Bedford activities fund, 221 Fitzgerald Drive, New Bedford, MA 02745.