Belmira "Bella" Arruda

Belmira "Bella" (Souza) Arruda, 97, of Catholic Memorial Home, 2446 Highland Ave., Fall River, formerly of Brayton Ave., Fall River, died Tuesday at the home. She was the wife of the late Manuel V. "Murphy" Arruda.

Born in Fall River, MA, she was a daughter of the late Manuel C. and Mary Gloria (Medeiros) Souza; she was a lifelong resident of Fall River. Mrs. Arruda worked for 40 years as a machine operator at the former Fairhope Fabric. She was an avid bingo and card player. Enjoyed shopping with her late sister Mary and trips to Foxwoods.

She is survived by a son, James P. Arruda (Wife Geraldine) of Fall River; three daughters, Dorothy Laureanno (Husband Manny) of Somerset, MA, Eleanor Beben (Husband Roger) of Fall River and Kathleen Arruda (Partner Charlene Vernon) of Warren, RI; seven grandchildren, Susan Burke, Gregory Laureanno, Virginia Valton, Cheryl Wilding, Christopher Beben, Lorrie Arruda and James F. Arruda; 12 great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. She was the sister of the late Joseph Souza, Mary Jardin and Edith Jardin.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend her Funeral Mass on Monday at 9:30 a.m. in the St. Margaret Mary Chapel of the Catholic Memorial Home. Visitation morning of the funeral from 8:15-9:15 in the solarium of the Catholic Memorial Home. Entombment in Notre Dame Cemetery Mausoleum. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in her memory to National Breast Cancer Foundation, Inc., 2600 Network Blvd., Suite 300, Frisco, TX 75034. Arrangements are by the Oliveira Funeral Home, 2064 South Main St.