Auclair Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Fall River, MA (2026)

05/09/2026

Zulmira (Fernandes) Carrinho, 93, formerly of Borden Place West, Fall River, passed away on May 2, 2026.

Zulmira was employed for 14 years at Genzyne Bio-Surgical Products before retiring in 2002. Following her retirement, she continued to contribute to the community by working for 10 years at the Sylvia School within the Fall River Public School Department. She was also known for her love of reading.

She was the mother of Roy Carrinho (wife Akisa) of New Jersey, and Christine Couri (husband Adam) of Bradford, Rhode Island; grandmother of Isabella Rose Couri and Maxx E. Couri, of Rhode Island; sibling of Filomena Tougas of Portsmouth, RI; Richard Fernandes of Fall River,; Helen Sylvia of Bristol, RI; and the late John A. Fernandes, Korean War Veteran.

Zulmira was born to John G. and Filomena (Freitas) Fernandes and was the stepdaughter of Mary (Perry) Costa Fernandes.

A Funeral Mass will be held at Good Shepherd Church on Monday, July 6, 2026 at 10:00 AM.

Entombment will follow at Notre Dame Cemetery Mausoleum.

05/09/2026

With heavy hearts, we share the news of the passing of my mother, Phyllis (Sagan) Bertoncini. She left this world on April 20th, 2026 and left a void that can never be filled. Her passing has left us with a deep sense of loss and sadness.

Phyllis was born on January 22, 1936 in Fall River to Stephen and Mary Sagan and has lived in Fall River her entire life.

Phyllis worked for many years at Frito-Lay in Fall River, working there until the plant closed. Afterwards, she became a paraprofessional for the Fall River School Dept. at the Wixon School, where she also had attended as a student. She enjoyed working with the first-grade and Kindergarten teachers and students. She had many good memories and funny stories about her time there.

After retiring from the school department, she worked for Citizens for Citizens Foster Grandparent Program, working in her daughter's kindergarten classroom at the Greene Elementary School.

In remembering Phyllis, I think about her insistence on everyone being on time each night for dinner at 5:00 p.m., and “don't be late", and learning many of Nona's recipes that her husband enjoyed. She took great pride in making a huge Sunday dinner each week, always with cherry Jello for dessert, with lots of whipped cream.

As was her wish, she passed quietly at home with her family. She was the wife of the late Angelo A. Bertoncini and was pre-deceased in death by her sons, Stephen and Michael Bertoncini, and her mother and father.

She is survived by her daughter Cynthia (Bertoncini) Guimond and her husband Rene of Swansea, her sister Natalie Szufnarowski of Lowell, her brother Walter Sagan and his wife Charlotte of Dunedin, Florida, her granddaughter Amanda Bertoncini and her husband Zachary of Fall River, her grandson Michael Bertoncini of Mendon MA, several nieces, nephews, and cousins. Phyllis enjoy cooking for her family and especially making her husband's favorite Italian dishes and her golumpki, which were the best ever! She loved going to Twin River Foxwoods and Mohegan Sun with her sister Natalie to play the slots, dancing, and going out with the “Golden Girls” and causing a scene on the dance floor with all eyes on her, doing puzzles, Sudoku, and Word Finds.

She enjoyed the annual family vacation to Myrtle Beach and spending time in Florida during the cold winter months with her daughter and friend.

She was one of a kind, with a quick wit, feisty and funny and always said exactly what was on her mind.

Phyllis's Funeral Mass will be held at 10:00 AM on May 9th, 2026 at Good Shepherd Church, 1598 South Main Street, Fall River. Reception to follow.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital or the Alzheimer's Association.

05/05/2026

Maria J. (Pacheco) DeMedeiros, 71, of Fall River, wife of Mariano T. DeMedeiros, passed away at Rhode Island Hospital on Friday, May 1, 2026.

Born in Porto Formoso, Sao Miguel, Azores, she was the daughter of the late Manuel Lopes Pacheco and Rosa (Soares Medeiros) Pacheco and the mother of the late Emily Rose DeMedeiros and the late David DeMedeiros. She leaves behind a legacy defined by grace, honesty, and unwavering care, qualities that touched the lives of all who had the privilege to know her.

Ms. DeMedeiros devoted her professional life to the service of others. She began her career as a Certified Nursing Assistant at Hope House before lending her care to the Geriatric Unit at Saint Anne's Hospital.

Beyond her career, Maria was a seamstress. Her natural grace and patience were evident in this craft, reflecting the gentle spirit with which she approached life.

She was the most graceful, honest, caring, and patient individual. Her love of music and animals revealed a tender and joyful heart, always finding delight in the simple and beautiful things around her.

Maria enjoyed shopping online and TikTok, telling jokes, cooking, and baking for her family.

Her memory remains a guiding light of grace, patience, and enduring love.

Besides her husband of 52 years, whom she cherished and adored so deeply, Maria leaves her sister, Natalie Barbosa and husband Gabriel of N. Dartmouth; nieces and nephews. She was the sister of the late Joseph Pacheco (wife Catherine Pacheco).

Private arrangements were with the Auclair Funeral Home.

05/05/2026

Paul F. McCormack, of Swansea, Massachusetts, born November 8, 1951, passed away on May 5, 2026, after a brief illness, surrounded by family and loved ones in his final days. He leaves behind a legacy of quiet devotion, loyalty, and dedication to his family, his work, and his community. A beloved son, brother, uncle, and friend, Paul lived simply and valued the familiar rhythms that shaped his days.

Paul was the son of the late Francis J. McCormack and Corrine McCormack of Swansea. He was predeceased by his sister, Patricia L. Gersbach, and by his niece, Erin Davis. He is survived by his sister, Sheila Davis, and her husband, Randy Davis of South Carolina, as well as his brother‑in‑law, Randy R. Gersbach of Fall River. Paul was an uncle to Christine Chagnon and her wife, Tina Chagnon of Kingston, Massachusetts; James Correia and his partner, Laura Lemke of Seattle, Washington; and Randal Charles Davis and his wife, Cassie Davis of Plainville, Massachusetts. He also leaves behind several cousins, along with great‑nieces, great‑nephews, and two great‑great nephews.

For 43 years, Paul worked at Charlton Memorial Hospital, where his reliability and steady presence were well known. His long tenure reflected his values of commitment, loyalty, and a strong sense of responsibility. He showed up each day with consistency and care, earning the respect of colleagues who valued his dependability and understated kindness.

A private man by nature, Paul valued his independence. He found comfort in routine, familiar places, and familiar faces. He found joy in the small things: a quiet morning with a good cup of coffee, time with family and his lifelong friend Rudy, and afternoons spent at the beach. He returned often to Swansea Town Beach, a place that brought him lasting calm and comfort.

Though he lived modestly, Paul had a keen eye for a bargain and could never pass up a good deal—a small satisfaction he always appreciated. Those who knew him valued his gentle nature, his dry sense of humor, and the unassuming way he moved through the world. He lived life on his own terms, with honesty and humility, asking little beyond the life he built for himself.

He leaves behind a family who knew and loved him as he was, colleagues who respected him, and a community that was an integral part of his everyday life. The family extends heartfelt thanks to the teams at Charlton Memorial Hospital and Southcoast Hospice for their compassionate care and dedication. Special thanks to Brenna, Brooke, Alex, Andrea, Angie, Delaney, Paula, Rachel, and Dr. Bitar.

Visitation will be held at the Auclair Funeral Home, 690 So. Main St., Fall River on Friday, May 8, 2026, from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM and on Saturday May 9, 2026, from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM followed by a memorial service held at Auclair Funeral home. Burial will follow at Vinnicum Woods Cemetery, Swansea, MA.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Paul’s memory to the American Lung Association.

05/02/2026

Carol (Mello) Valero, 67, passed away on Tuesday, April 28, 2026. She was the wife of the late Brian James Valero.

Born and raised in Fall River, MA, Carol moved to Georgia in 2014. Carol was a woman of faith who loved the Lord. A caretaker and nurturer, she always cooked and cleaned for her family, who meant the world to her. She loved spending time with her sisters, with whom she would crochet, shop, and talk on the phone. Year-round, she would watch the Great American Family Channel’s Christmas movies.

Carol is survived by her daughter, Kelly Ann Robillard (husband Ken); her grandchildren, Kasey Brian Robillard (wife Cellina), and Kailey Glosson (husband Cooper); her great-grandchildren, Kason, Kaliara, Kian, and Kaleb; her siblings, Jeanne Reed, Annette Amaral, Bernadette Vieira (late husband Antone Vieira, Jr.), Elaine Farias (husband Gilly), Roger Mello (wife Carol), and Benjamin Mello, Jr. (wife Claudia); several nieces and nephews; and her beloved dog, Landon.

Carol was the daughter of the late Benjamin and Emelda E. (Metivier) Mello, and sister of the late Veronica L. Mello.

Carol's funeral will be held on Wednesday, May 6, 2026, with a visitation from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM, followed by a funeral service at 11:00 AM, at the Auclair Funeral Home, 690 S. Main St., Fall River.

Burial at St. Patrick’s Cemetery, Somerset.

04/27/2026

Pauline D. (Bouchard) Chretien, 90, of Little Compton, wife of the late Ernest A. "Ernie" Chretien, passed away on Sunday, April 26, 2026.

Pauline attended Jesus Mary Academy in Fall River. She grew up in the Fall River area but spent most of her adult life in Little Compton raising her family.

Pauline was employed over the years by Anderson Little, the Fall River Herald News, and UMass Dartmouth.

A devoted Catholic and dedicated mother, Pauline’s faith guided her decisions and how she raised her family. She was a kind and thoughtful person who always put her family first. She especially treasured the time she spent with her grandchildren, who gave her joy and brightened her days.

Pauline loved traveling with her husband. They were fortunate to visit many interesting places together and truly enjoyed each other’s company.

She leaves 3 children, Ernest M. Chretien (wife Colleen) of Berkley , Lisa A. Chretien (companion Louis Audet) of Fall River and Paul Chretien (wife Heather) of Commerce Township, Michigan; 5 grandchildren, Michael Chretien, Benjamin Chretien, Alexandra Brink (husband Alex), Aaron Chretien and Ariana Hopman (husband Bobby); Great-granddaughter, Carla and Trent, who referred to her as Memere; siblings Cecile Ponte and Arthur Bouchard; many nieces and nephews.

She was the daughter of the late Alfred T. and Beatrice (Ross) Bouchard and the sister of the late Beatrice Madore, Germaine Petit, Juliette Cadrin, Dianne Bouchard, Louise Slean and Paul, Alfred, Edward, Henry, Philip and George Bouchard.

Visitation will be held at the Auclair Funeral Home, 690 So. Main St., Fall River on Thursday, April 30 from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM.

Her Funeral Mass will be held Friday, May 1, at 10:00 AM at St. Catherine of Sienna Church, Little Compton (please meet at church) Reception to follow.

Burial will be private.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Fall River. (https://www.ccfrdioc.org)

Or the Massachusetts Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center (https://www.madrc.org)

04/25/2026

Eva M. Oliveira-Charette, 71, of Fall River, Massachusetts, after a brief illness passed away peacefully on April 24, 2026, surrounded by her loving family.

Born in Sao Miguel, Azores, Portugal, to the late Luis and Gilda Oliveira. Following a dedicated career in the textile and insurance industries, Eva spent her retirement embracing the things she loved most: traveling with family, cooking, gardening, and decorating.

Eva championed her three sons at every turn, making sure they always felt the full weight of her pride and her unconditional love. She was a proud Portuguese-American Citizen and believed strongly in the American dream. As an avid music fan, she would subject her sons to endless listening of Neil Diamond’s Coming to America, a story of the American immigrant experience. Eva was the ultimate host and was happiest when hosting family dinners or casual summer gatherings.

She is survived by her husband, David Charette; her children, Erik Filipe and his wife Katherine of Marshfield, Jason Filipe and his wife Pamela of Somerset, and Shaun Filipe of Long Beach, CA; her two stepchildren Nathan Charette and his wife Amanda, and Katherine Charette; her two grandchildren Lauren Filipe-Sousa and her husband Todd, and Mason Morgado; her great- grandchild Cora Sousa; her sisters Maria Decoste and Evangelina Auclair and her husband David; her brothers Manuel Oliveira and his wife Margaret, Luis Oliveira and his wife Leslie, Joseph Oliveira and his wife Elena, Albert Oliveira and his partner Cheryl; her brother in law Francisco Cabral and many beloved nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents and her sister, Maria Cabral.

A visitation service will be held on Wednesday, April 29 at 9:00 AM at Auclair’s Funeral Home in Fall River, MA. The visitation will be followed by a mass at 11:00 AM at St. Joseph’s Church in Fall River.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

04/22/2026

Veronica Mello, 80, of Swansea, passed away Wednesday, April 22, 2026 at Charlton Memorial Hospital, with her loved ones by her side.

Born in Fall River, she was the daughter of the late Benjamin and Emelda E. (Metivier) Mello.

She was employed by Reliable Sportswear, Fall River for most of her life.

Her hobbies included crocheting, ceramics and going to casinos.

She leaves her significant other, Leroy “Roy” Chouinard, siblings, Jeanne Reed, Annette Amaral, Bernadette Vieira, Elaine Farias, Roger Mello, Benjamin Mello, Jr. and Carol Valero; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held on Friday, April 24, from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM. at the Auclair Funeral Home, 690 South Main St. Fall River.

04/22/2026

Robert Alan Beaupre, 80, of Westport, MA, passed away on April 14, 2026. He was the husband of Colette (Ferreira) Beaupre, with whom he shared 60 years of marriage.

Professionally, Robert was a proud business owner of Charves and Beaupre Construction. He contributed significantly as a union carpenter with Local 33 in Boston, Massachusetts, for many years.

Robert was a man of many interests and talents. A talented athlete in his youth, he proudly won a Golden Gloves boxing competition. His love for the outdoors was evident in his enthusiasm for fishing and hunting, pursuits he cherished deeply. Additionally, Robert was a skilled bird dog trainer, demonstrating his connection to nature and his patient dedication. He also found immense joy in traveling, embracing new experiences, and broadening his horizons. A member of the Portage ATV Club, he enjoyed the thrill of off-road adventures and was an avid snowmobiler during the winter months. Robert also enjoyed farming and was an avid card player

Besides his loving wife, he is survived by his children, Peter Beaupre, Dawn Thibeault, Son in-law David Thibault, Todd Beaupre, Fiancé Stacy Kibbee; his grandchildren, Tyler Gosson, Devin Beaupre; His great-grandchildren Thayden Gosson, Tristen Gosson and Izabel Gosson; his siblings, Richard Beaupre, Donald Beaupre (wife Carol), Wayne Desrosiers (wife Donna), Michael Desrosiers (husband Michael John Croteau); Melissa Beaupre And Dave Raposo; and many more nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his sister Joan Hickey (husband Danny) and Richard Beaupre.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, April 29, 2026, from 4:00 to 7:00 P.M., at the Auclair Funeral Home, 690 S. Main St, Fall River.

His Funeral will be held on Thursday, April 30, 2026, with a visitation from 9:00 to 11:00 A.M., followed by a funeral service at 11:00 A.M., at the Auclair Funeral Home, 690 S. Main St, Fall River.

Burial to follow at Beach Grove Cemetery.

04/18/2026

Dianne M. (Bernier) Tavares, 80, of Fall River, passed away on April 17, 2026. She was the loving wife of the late David Tavares, Sr., with whom she shared 30 years of marriage.

Born in Fall River, she was the daughter of the late Joseph R. and Marie M. (Saube) Bernier.

Dianne spent many years working at Main St. Textile. Beyond her professional life, she found joy in knitting and crocheting. She also enjoyed working on word searches while watching anything starring Tom Selleck, Sam Elliot or Don Johnson.

A constant source of comfort and companionship to Dianne was her beloved dog, Coco Chanel, whose faithful presence brightened her days. Her heart was further enriched by the special bond she shared with each of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Dianne is survived by her loving children, Debra Potvin, Joseph Dion (companion Beth Pavao), Lisa Machado (husband Floriano), Rhonda Dion, Kimberly Tavares Oliveira (husband Jason) and step-son Wayne Tavares (wife Debbie); her grandchildren, Jennifer Farber, Cheyenne Potvin, Damien Belanger, Tyler Dion, Jaden Dion, Ryan Machado, Floriano Machado, Jr. , Amanda Machado Galego, Alex Machado, Crystal Jacobs, Desiree Medeiros, Joseph Medeiros IV, Alexie Oliveira, Cailyn Oliveira, Shannon Aguiar, Brianne Brouillard; her great-grandchildren Zayden, Quinn, Lileigh, Colton, Reignah, Hera, Jonathan, Ariella, Makayla, Joseph, Millie, Joshua, Max, Kane, Jacoby and Kyra; her siblings, Simonne Bernier, Claire Camara, Therese Miranda, Donald Bernier; and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her siblings, Jeannette Robichaud, Albert Bernier, and Maurice Bernier.

Dianne's Funeral will be held Wednesday, April 22, 2026, with a visitation from 8:00 to 9:15 A.M., at the Auclair Funeral Home, 690 S. Main St, Fall River. Her funeral Mass will be held at 10:00 A.M., at Holy Ghost Church, 316 Judson St, Tiverton. Burial at Notre Dame Cemetery, Fall River.

04/15/2026

Peter J. Gancarski, 74, of Dighton, passed away on Saturday, April 11, 2026.

He was the husband of Dianne G. (Cadrin) Gancarski. He was a retired police officer with the City of Fall River.

Besides his wife of 51 years, he leaves a son, Mark Gancarski and his wife Michelle, and a daughter, Renee Gancarski; five grandchildren, Madison, Morgan, Jesse, Billie and Dakota; and two sisters. He was the father of the late Nicholas J. Gancarski.

Visitation will be held Tuesday, April 21, from 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM with a funeral service at 10:00 AM at the Auclair Funeral Home, 690 South Main St. Fall River. Entombment to follow at Notre Dame Cemetery Mausoleum.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Dana Farber or St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital.

Auclair Funeral Home and Cremation Service

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