Eva Betty Lopes

Eva "Betty" (Mello) Lopes, 94, of Portsmouth, died at home surrounded by her loving family, on April 20, 2026. Born in Newport, RI on August 21, 1931, to the late Manuel T. and Eva B. (Perry) Mello, she was the devoted wife, for 41 years, of the late Edward T. Lopes, who passed away in 2002. Betty graduated from Rogers High School in 1950 and worked for many years as a teller at the former Plantation Bank. After raising her family, Betty went back to work as an aide at the St. Barnabas Preschool, a salesclerk at Sports & Stuff Sporting Goods, and during her "retirement" as a senior payroll specialist at the Mello Construction Company, her family's business.

Betty's favorite job was that of mother and grandmother to her four sons, Edward T. Lopes Jr. (Amy) of Portsmouth, Steven Lopes of Arlington, VA, David Lopes (Andrea) of Portsmouth and William Lopes (Sarah) of Boston, MA, and five grandsons, Matthew Lopes of New York, NY, Timothy Lopes, Benjamin Lopes, Andrew Lopes, and Alexander Lopes, all of Portsmouth. Betty is also survived by many nieces, nephews, grandnieces, and grandnephews.

She was the sister of the late Manuel T. "Brother" Mello Jr. (Dorothy), Mary Silvia (George), George Mello, Frank P. "Mickey" Mello (Peggy) and John R. "Bobby" Mello. Betty was predeceased by her lifelong best friend Mary E. "Betty" DeArruda. She's survived by her sisters-in-law, Fran Mello of Portsmouth and Elizabeth "Betty" Mello of Middletown.

Betty was one of the original members of St. Barnabas Church, known as the "Holy Rollers," when mass was held at the former roller rink across the street from the current church, and was a regular attendee at daily morning mass for many years. Betty had strong faith and took pride in supporting her parish, working in the kitchen during the annual feast, counting money after Sunday mass, and cleaning the altar. Betty had a wide circle of friends including Madeleine, Debbie, Alice, Shirley, the two Carols, Pat, and Arlene - and they enjoyed many fun trips and adventures as well as weekly card games and frequent get-togethers. Betty enjoyed reading, crafting and knitting, and was a passionate Boston Red Sox fan.

The family would like to thank Betty's wonderful caregivers, Lynn, Rosa, Michelle, Benvinda, Elisabete, and Ashley, who made it possible for her to remain in her home during her final months.

The family will receive family and friends on Sunday, April 26th from 4:00-7:00 p.m. at the Connors Funeral Home, 55 West Main Road, Portsmouth.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, April 27th at 10:00am in St. Barnabas Church, 1697 East Main Road, Portsmouth, with burial at Trinity Cemetery to follow.

In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations to the Portsmouth Fire Department or Visiting Nurse Home and Hospice of Rhode Island.