FALL RIVER – Joan M. Mello, age 85, died peacefully in her home on December 6, 2023 surrounded by all of her children. Born in Tiverton, RI, she was the beloved wife of the late Antone (Tony) Mello. Joan will be remembered as a devoted mother of Lisa Laing and her husband Lawrence of Quincy, Karen Walsh and her husband Shaun of Marion, Lori O'Neil and her husband Brian of Dartmouth, Dr. Douglas Mello and his wife Lisa of Dartmouth, Carl Mello and his wife Susan of Mansfield, and Kristen Gauvin and her husband Paul of Fall River.

She was a much-loved Grammy to Sarah Walsh, Benjamin Laing, Hannah Walsh, Noah Quigley-Mello, Caroline Walsh, Owen Quigley-Mello, Sadie Mello, Jack Gauvin, Josie Mello, Kathryn Gauvin, Annie O'Neil, and Claire Gauvin.

Joan was predeceased by her parents, John and Maria (Sadie) Linhares and her siblings, John Linhares, Dorothy Pimental, Joseph Linhares, and Rita Venafro. She will be sadly missed by many cousins, nieces, nephews, and dear friends.

Never one to miss out, Joan was a constant presence at all of her large family's gatherings—sports games, recitals, awards banquets, group vacations, birthday parties, or just a weekend barbecue. She will certainly be missed at all her usual haunts, including McDonald's for morning coffee, a variety of senior centers for lunch and bingo, watercolor classes, mah-jongg games, and get-togethers with lifelong friends.

Joan's creativity knew no bounds. She was an expert seamstress, creating everything from 1980s hair accessories to bridesmaids dresses to Halloween costumes for each grandchild every year. During the Covid pandemic, she made and gave away thousands of handmade face masks. Late in life, she became a prolific artist, and her family, friends, and many members of her health care team are proud owners of her beautiful paintings and note cards. Throughout her life, she cooked, baked, knitted, and designed and created Christmas ornaments, wreaths, and centerpieces. She made everything around her more beautiful.

She was the irresistible life of every party, telling stories, laughing at her own expense, and teaching her children and grandchildren off-color Portuguese sayings. With her constant smile and sense of humor, she made friends everywhere she went.

Her funeral will take place from the Manuel Rogers Funeral Home 1521 North Main Street, Fall River, on December 13th, Wednesday here at 8:45 am. followed by a Mass of Christian Burial in Holy Trinity Church at 10 am. Interment in Pocasset Hill Cemetery. Calling hours on December 12th, Tuesday from 5-8 pm.

To send the family Expressions of Sympathy, please click the Guest Book below. You may also light a candle in honor of Joan or send a beautiful flower arrangement to the funeral service. Please also consider making a donation in Joan's memory to the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute by clicking the link below.

https://danafarber.jimmyfund.org/site/Donation2?df_id=2100&mfc_pref=T&2100.donation=form1