FALL RIVER-- It is with great sadness that we share the news of Gilda (Adolfo) DeMelo, age 78, who passed at home on February 23, 2026 with her loving family by her side. She was the beloved wife to the late Jaime C. DeMelo. Born in Bretahna, São Miguel, Açores, she was the daughter to the late Antonio and Palmira (Oliveira) Adolfo.

She worked as a seamstress, dedicating years to the textile industry with patience and skill. She loved attending Holy Ghost feasts, where her faith and joy came alive among family and friends. She also found great happiness tending to her flowers and plants, lovingly caring for each one and taking pride in watching them grow and bloom.
Her life was centered around the family she cherished so deeply. She was endlessly giving, always making sure everyone was fed, felt safe, welcomed, and loved. She prayed for all her family daily, carrying each person in her heart with unwavering faith and devotion.

She survived by her children: Paul DeMelo (wife Marlene) of Swansea, Dora Camara (husband Carlos) of Lakeville, Ana Demelo (fiance Eric) of Fall River and Susan DeMelo of Fall River; siblings: Liliana Freitas of Providence, Cremilde Custodio and Manuel Adolfo of Dartmouth, Adenoalda Pires of Rehoboth and Martha Fontaine of Westport; grandchildren: Billy, Korynn, Ashley, Vanessa, Colby, Nathan, Rockell, Ethan and Evan; great-grandchildren: Findley, Grayson, Raiden, and Gregor; several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her siblings, Antonio Adolfo, Elidio Adolfo and Maria Botelho.

Her love, faith, and gentle strength will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.

A morning visitation for Gilda will be held on Saturday, March 7th from 8:00-9:30 A.M. in the Manuel Rogers Funeral Home, 1521 N. Main St., Fall River. A funeral mass will follow at Santo Cristo Church in Fall River at 10:00 A.M. Burial in Notre Dame Cemetery, Fall River.

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