Margaret O. Lima

Margaret O. Lima, 88, of Middletown, Rhode Island, passed away peacefully on Saturday, May 23, 2026.

She was born Margarida Natalia Fortuna de Oliveira on October 23, 1937 in Fajã de Baixo, São Miguel, Azores. She was the daughter of the late Luiz Braz and Maria Conceicao (Fortuna) Oliveira, and the wife of the late Joseph W. Lima.

Margaret spent her youth living in the Azores and married Joseph in 1964. They built a house for themselves in Middletown and began their family. Their home was full of love and always had an open door to her children's friends, all of the neighborhood kids, and anyone who needed a meal.

Through the years, Margaret was a talented professional seamstress and dressmaker. For many years she worked independently under the brand "Magnolia," then later local businesses including Viking Tuxedo and Spardello's. If you were to collect wedding and prom photos from across Aquidneck Island over the last 40 years you will see hundreds of beautiful dresses and gowns she created. Her family and friends will wear the garments she made for them by hand with pride for generations.

She was always generous with her time and energy. She extended this hospitality to many years at The Church of Jesus Saviour in Newport, RI where she sold her handiwork at Bazaars, supported the kitchen for hundreds of meals, and handcrafted clothing for Feasts and celebrations.

Her other talent was as a loving "Vavó." Margaret was a grandmother to her five grandchildren, as well as all of their friends and neighbors. She welcomed, fed, and loved everyone as her own family. No visit with Margaret ever ended without giving her guest some cookies - usually so many that they would need to share!

Margaret is survived by her three children, Lisa Lima and Joseph W. Lima Jr., both of Middletown, and Shirley Wolferseder of Exeter, RI; her five beloved grandchildren, Emily and Megan Tessier, and Devin, Aemilius, and Aidan Wolferseder; and one great granddaughter, Lucy Romero. She leaves her brother Carlos Oliveira of Fall River, MA. Margaret is now reunited with her husband, Joseph Lima, her parents, and her brother, Luiz Oliveira.

Funeral services will be private. Please consider a donation in Margaret's memory to the Island Oasis Food Pantry at Middletown High School, 130 Valley Road, Middletown, RI 02842.