FALL RIVER - With heavy hearts, we remember the matriarch of our family,  Evangelina Pacheco, who first set foot in America in 1960 as a bright-eyed 23-year-old with no travel experience. She arrived in a new land to stay with family friends she had hardly new, but soon her journey would lead to a love story that would inspire us all, as her husband Norberto S Pacheco joined her and together, they built a life filled with love, laughter, and resilience.

Starting with nothing but each other, they created a beautiful life that many of us still cherish today. Throughout the years, she selflessly helped other family members from the Azores make their way to America in search of better lives. She dedicated herself to keeping her Azorean heritage alive, especially through her incredible cooking. Evangelina always tried new dishes such as her spaghetti and chourico that became a new family favorite,  so she thought. Her kitchen was always filled with love and the aromas of home.

She was a devoted mother to her daughters and son and found her greatest joy in being a proud and loving Vovó to her cherished grandchildren. Her love for them was boundless, and her presence lit up every room they entered. Whether it was her famous kale recipes—long before they became popular—or her legendary chicken and rice soup, lovingly made just the way only Vovó could, she created memories that will be treasured forever.

Caring for her grandchildren was never a task, but a heartfelt expression of her love. She instilled in her family the true meaning of togetherness, the importance of tradition, and the joy of sharing a home-cooked meal. Her legacy of love, laughter, and unforgettable meals will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.

While her absence leaves a profound void, her spirit remains a guiding light in the lives she touched. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

She was loved and cherished by many people including her husband of 65 years Norberto S Pacheco her Children: Norbert Pacheco (wife Ann), Donna Correira (husband David), Debra Dupere (husband Edward); Grandchildren: Alexandrea Dudley, Sarah Carias, Nathan Pacheco, Joshua Correia and Evan Dupere; as well as 12 nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her siblings Jose Melo, Manuel Melo and Maria Melo.

Family and friends are invited to gather on Thursday, August 7th, at the Manuel Rogers Funeral Home, 1521 North Main Street, Fall River, beginning at 10 A.M., with a funeral service to follow at 11 A.M. Interment in Oak Grove Cemetery, Fall River. Calling hours on Wednesday from 4-7 PM.

To send the family Expressions of Sympathy, please click the Guest Book below. You may also light a candle in honor of Evangelina or send a beautiful flower arrangement to the funeral.