NEW BEDFORD-Lucilia Medeiros Ponte dos Reis, passed away peacefully at Sacred Heart Nursing Home on May 31, 2026 after a long illness. She was 86.

She was born in Capelas, St. Michael, Azores. The daughter of the late Antonio Ponte and Maria do Carmo Medeiros. She then moved to Lisbon, Portugal when she fell in love with her husband and built a life there until coming to the United States with their son, Antonio. They were married for 64 years.

Lucilia was dedicated to her family and is survived by her husband Antonio dos Reis and her son Antonio Cardoso and his wife, Charlotte Cardoso of New Bedford , Mass and was a proud and loving grandmother to her two grandsons , Mathew Cardoso and Nicholas Cardoso, both of New Bedford, Mass. Her grandsons were her entire world.

Lucilia was a line worker for John Paulding Inc and then became a PCA/HHA with Kimberly Quality Care. She was dedicated to her clients and enjoyed being a comfort to them. She enjoyed cooking for her family, family gatherings and gardening. She took extreme pride in her yard and enjoyed planting beautiful flowers throughout. She was a devout Catholic and was a parishioner of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church in New Bedford, Mass.

In addition to her parents, Lucilia is survived by her brother Evaristo Ponte and his wife Cecilia Ponte of Somerset, Mass. and her sister Irene Cabral of Canada. She was predeceased by brothers, Antonio Ponte, Jose Ponte, Thomas Ponte and Albano Ponte. She was also predeceased by sisters, Florinda Lima, Maria Gaspar, Maria Medeiros and Isabel Viveiros. She is also survived by several nieces and nephews.

The family would like to thank the entire staff at Sacred Heart Nursing Home and the Hospice team for the care and support they provided. We are forever grateful.

Visitation will be Tuesday, June 9, 2026 from 4-7PM with a service at 6PM in the Donaghy New Day Cremation & Funeral Care, located at 465 County Street, New Bedford, Mass 02740. For facility directions or memorial register please visit, www.newdayfunerals.com.