Nancy A. Gonsalves

Nancy A. (Shurtleff) Gonsalves, 84, of New Bedford, peacefully went to her final resting place on February 14, 2026, surrounded by unconditional love in her home.

She was the beloved wife of the late Joseph Gonsalves, Jr., the great love of her life. Their marriage was built on deep love, devotion, and partnership, and she carried his memory in her heart every day, patiently awaiting the moment they would be reunited.

Born in Marion, she was the daughter of the late James and Marion (Gifford) Thomas.

Nancy is survived by her children, KathyJo Mandeville, Joseph Gonsalves III, and Gary S. Gonsalves. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Ashley M. Gonsalves and her fiancé, Bryant M. Monaghan; Samantha R. Saylor and her fiancé, Aiden Dovenbarger; Heather Gonsalves; Matthew J. Gonsalves; Christopher M. Gonsalves; James W. Albert; Katie A. Shurtleff; Kerri-Ann Shurtleff; Parker Azevedo; and Hannah Azevedo.

She was a loving great-grandmother to Dyllin Monaghan and to the two littlest loves of her life, Brooklynn K. Gonsalves and Cori J. Shurtleff. In recent years, these two brought her immense joy as she watched them grow and play in their shared backyard—whether she was outside with them or watching from the window.

She also leaves behind her beloved big brother, Ronald Shurtleff; her cherished sister-in-law, Sue Gonsalves; her best friends, George “Bucky” and Peggy Atkinson; and many other sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

She was predeceased by her siblings, Roger Piche, Sr., Harrison Shurtleff, Francis Shurtleff, Randy Thomas, Maud Vieira, Ramona McCain, and James Thomas, Jr., and by her granddaughter, Linda Azevedo.

Nancy was a member of Hope Evangelical Community Church. She worked for many years at Acushnet Rubber Company prior to her retirement. She enjoyed making Christmas ornaments with her husband for their family and was a dedicated volunteer with the Special Olympics for many years.

Above all, her greatest roles were being Joe’s wife, a devoted mother, and a loving grandmother. 

Her funeral will be held Tuesday, February 24, 2026 at 9 AM from the Saunders-Dwyer Home for Funerals, 495 Park St., New Bedford followed by her Funeral Mass at 10 AM at Holy Name of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Church. Burial will follow in Pine Grove Cemetery. Visiting hours will be held Monday, February 23rd from 4-7 PM. For directions and guestbook, visit www.saundersdwyer.com.