It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved aunt and family matriarch, Rose M. (Silva) Almeida, who peacefully entered eternal rest on October 3, 2025, at the age of 102 in her hometown of New Bedford, MA.

Rose was the devoted wife of the late Jose C. "Rookie" Almeida, with whom she shared many years of love, laughter, and cherished memories.

Born and raised in New Bedford, MA she was the daughter of the late Gregorio Silva and Maria "BaBa" Barros and proudly called the city home throughout her long and beautiful life.

Mrs. Almeida was a parishioner at Our Lady of Assumption Church.

Rose's heart was as big as her smile. She loved listening and dancing to Cape Verdean music, and her home was always open to family and friends for gatherings filled with joy, laughter, music and great food. She had a gift for creating and sharing beauty-through her knitting, crocheting, and delicious baked treats-which she gave lovingly to those around her.

A woman of strong work ethic and determination, Rose began working at a young age in the cranberry bogs and strawberry fields on Cape Cod. She later worked as a seamstress in several local apparel mills before finding her true calling as a cook and cafeteria worker at New Bedford Vocational High School, where she was known for her kindness and the care she showed to the students and staff alike.

Rose's legacy lives on through her loving family: nieces Marie Robinson and her fiancé Lawrence "Sonny" Tobey, Cynthia Gomes, and Elayne Gomes-Battle and her husband David; nephew-in-law Donald Cruz; grandnephew Christopher Cruz; grandnieces Alyssa Battle and Adrianna Battle; great-grandnephew Jalen Cruz; great-grandniece Sierra Cruz; and many cherished godchildren who held a special place in her heart.

She was predeceased by her sisters Dorothy Gomes and her husband Jose "Dje Dje" Gomes, and Silvestra Silva; her nieces Dolores "Cookie" Silva and Marcia Cruz; and her grandnephew Jamel Cruz.

She will be greatly missed by many, especially her extended family members, LuAnn Nobre and Kathy Hurtt.

Rose's love, laughter, and gentle spirit will forever remain in the hearts of all who knew her.

Visiting hours (Wake) will be held on Friday, October 10th, from 4-7 P.M. at Saunders-Dwyer Home for Funerals, 495 Park Street, New Bedford, MA. Her Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, October 11th, beginning at 9 A.M. at the funeral home, followed by a Funeral Mass at 10 A.M. at Our Lady of the Assumption Church. Burial will follow in St. John's Cemetery.