Michelle Josephine (Jesus) Fernandes, 77
Michelle Josephine (Jesus) Fernandes, 77, passed away peacefully on Saturday, September 26, 2026 at her home in East Wareham after a long illness.
She was the beloved wife of the late Paul D. Fernandes. Michele was born on October 26, 1948, in Wareham to the late Alice M. Pina and Avelino Jesus. She graduated from Wareham High School in 1968.
Throughout her life, Michele worked at Bouton's in Buzzards Bay, was a CNA, and later as a nanny for several years before retiring.
Michele was a devoted parishioner of St. Patrick's Church in Wareham. She enjoyed spending time with her daughters and cherished the special memories they made together. She also enjoyed taking motorcycle rides with her husband, often simply getting on the road and taking day trips with no particular destination in mind. She loved to dance and could often be found on the dance floor doing the cha-cha with her sisters. Michele greatly enjoyed her time at the Council on Aging, where she made many lasting friendships and participated in numerous activities there, especially chair pickleball. She was also a member of the Dudley L. Brown VFW Post 2846 Auxiliary where she had many longtime and cherished friendships.
Michele is survived by her children: LaVon M. Fernandes and Kena D. Gallagher; her siblings: Paulette Harris, Terryjean Lopes, Mary Ann Silva, Ralph, "Bubba" Pina, Sylvester (Lester) Pina, James Pina and John Pina. She is also survived by her granddaughter, Sanaa Barber and her Godchild, Amanda Foggie, her best friend, Dona Alexander, and her adopted daughter, Brook Gula. Michele also leaves behind her beloved son-in-law David Gallagher, along with many nieces, nephews, cousins, brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, friends and Glen Charlie Road neighbors, and COA friends who all held a special place in her heart. She was predeceased by her granddaughter, Madison Elizabeth Gallagher; her grandson, Jared Cardoza, her sister Emily Andrade Vieira, sister Roberta Baptiste, and brother Robert Andrews.
Michele will be remembered for her warm smile, love of family, sense of adventure, love of music and dancing, and the many friendships she made throughout her life. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.
Visiting hours will be from 1:00pm to 3:00pm on Sunday, Oct. 4th, at the Chapman Funerals & Cremations, 2599 Cranberry Highway (Rt. 28) Wareham. Her funeral will be held at 10:00am from Chapman Funerals and Cremations Monday Oct. 5th, followed by a funeral Mass at St. Patrick's Church, 94 High Street, Wareham at 11:00am. Burial will be Tuesday, Oct. 6th at 10:45am at the Massachusetts National Cemetery, Bourne. Please meet at the main gate at 10:30am. Relatives and friends are invited.
