Candida V. (Pina) Tavares entered eternal peace on June 16, 2021, at Tobey Hospital. She was the wife of the late Peter “Vasco” Tavares and the daughter of the late Samuel F. and Virginia (Faria) Pina.

She was born in Marion and lived in Wareham most of her life. She graduated from Wareham High School in 1948 and went on to attend the Kinyon and Campbell Business School.  

Mrs. Tavares was employed at the Aerovox Corporation in New Bedford.  

She was a devout Catholic and a member of St. Patrick’s Church.  

She was proud of her Cape Verdean heritage and was an active member of the Cape Verdean Scholarship Committee, holding various positions within the organization as well as hosting monthly meetings at her home. She was honored to help young Cape Verdeans go on to achieve their educational dreams. She enjoyed traveling, listening to Cape Verdean music and attending Cape Verdean events.  

Mrs. Tavares spent the last years with her daughter Cheryle and her son-in-law, Butch, who she loved as her own son. During her time there, she was able to enjoy time with her great-grandchildren, Kaia, Marcel Jr. and Elias. She enjoyed their antics as they would perform for her, making her laugh with joy. They doted on their “Nanna” assisting her with her needs. As well as the company of her grandchildren, Lance (Allison), Marcel Sr. (Diamond) and of course her grand-dog, Nyla.

Survivors include her brother, Edwin F. Pina and his wife Pat of Fairhaven; her children, Patricia Tavares of Wareham, Linda Thornton of Onset, Peter Tavares, Jr. and his wife Cynthia of Harwich, Cheryle Tavares-Merritt and her husband Butch of West Wareham and Paul Tavares of Wareham; as well as her great friend, Emily Baptist of Wareham who spoke with her daily.  Candida is also survived by 11 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren, and 6 great-great-grandchildren.

She was predeceased by her husband, Peter “Vasco” Tavares; her brothers, Manuel Pina, Theodore Pina, her sisters, Mary (Pina) Silva and Alice and Esther who passed as infants; her first grandchild, Leroy “LeeLee” Russell who named her Nanna.  

Visiting hours are from 4 to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, June 22, 2021 at Chapman Funerals & Cremations – WAREHAM, 2599 Cranberry Hwy., Rte. 28, Wareham. 

Her funeral will be held at 9:00 a.m. on Wednesday, June 23, 2021 from the funeral home followed by a funeral Mass at 10:00 a.m. in St. Patrick’s Church, 82 High St., Wareham. Burial will follow in St. Patrick’s Cemetery.

To share a memory or leave a message of condolence, visit: www.chapmanfuneral.com.