Evelyn Almeida passed to her greater glory peacefully after a brief illness.  She was healthy and active until just a few months ago.  Evelyn was born on November 22, 1924 living her entire life in Fall River, a lifelong member of St. Michael's Parish. Evelyn led a very active life professionally, civically, and in her faith community.  She was a strong and independent woman.

Evelyn grew up in the North End.  Her grandfather immigrated to Fall River from the Azores in 1879 and built their home in 1910.  He was one of the founders of St. Michael's Parish and served as its financial secretary.  She spoke of her grandparents walking from Brightman Street up to Santo Christo for mass before St. Michael's opened.  Her faith and family were the center of her life.

Evelyn was predeceased by her mother, Amelia Almeida, and her aunts; Georgiana, Gertrude, Mary, Louise, and uncles; William, John, Louis, and Joseph.

She was valedictorian of her class at St. Michael's school and attended Sacred Hearts Academy where she excelled academically and musically.  A soprano, she was gifted with a glorious voice.  She once performed the aria Polonaise; Je Suis Titania from the French opera Magnon.  She grew up in a home with numerous aunts and uncles who were accomplished musicians. Her grandfather founded the Santo Christo Band. Her aunt Louise Mello was a music teacher and organist at St. Michaels.  Her aunt Mary was the head soloist at St Michael's, St., Joseph's, and St. Anthony of Padua churches.  Her uncle Manuel played the cornet and her uncle John was a bugler in the US Army band during World War I. Nearly everyone in the house played piano and regularly gathered around the piano to sing.

She graduated from Bridgewater State Teachers College, now Bridgewater State University, with a Bachelor of Science degree in education and did graduate work at both Bridgewater State Teachers College and the Rhode Island College of Education.

She taught in the Swansea public schools for 48 years.  Her professional career began teaching fifth and sixth grades and eighth grade music at the Luther School.  She transferred to the Stevens School before moving to the Brown School where she taught until her retirement.  She said, "I try to teach every pupil as I would like to be treated, with kindness, fairness and understanding.  I want every child to leave my class not only with increased knowledge but as a cheerful youngster with a good self-image."

Besides teaching, Evelyn was a lifelong active member of St. Michael's Parish.  She was the parish secretary for Monsignor Medeiros (later Cardinal Medeiros) and Monsignor Mendonca.  She was the president of the Children of Mary Society; secretary and treasurer of the Holy Rosary Sodality; secretary of the Catholic Charities Appeal; CCD instructor; Co-chair of the Parish Golden Jubilee; member of the Parish Council; a member of the choir and a lector.  She received the Legion of Mary Award.  Cardinal Sean O'Malley presented her with the Marion Medal.

Evelyn was active civically serving as a member of the Board of Directors of St. Michael's Credit Union, the Delta Kappa Gama Coimba University Club, Portuguese Cultural Society, Catholic Women's Club, Massachusetts Teacher's Association, and the Swansea Teacher's Association.  She was a member of American Association of University Women, National Education Association, Portuguese American Federation, Advancement of Portuguese Culture, Portuguese American History Foundation of America, Arts Unlimited, Friends of the Fall River Public Library, Fall River Garden Club, and the Sacred Heart Academy Alumni Assiciation.

Later in life, Evelyn was sweetly cared for by Lydia Gonsalves, Augustine Gonsalves, and Elizabeth Murray.

Bishop Edgar Moreira da Cunha will celebrate the Mass of Christian Burial at 10 AM on Wednesday, July 5 at St. Mary's Cathedral.  Everyone is invited to meet directly at the Cathedral and can visit with the family beginning at 9:30 AM.  Interment will be private. Arrangements are under the direction of the Manuel Rogers Funeral Home, Fall River, MA.

In lieu of flowers consider a donation to St. Michael's Church, 189 Essex Street, Fall River, MA.