Ilda Maria Melo Belerique was born in Terceira, Azores on June 6th, 1940, to Antonio Melo and Maria Soares. She grew up on the island with her 2 younger sisters Albertina and Fatima.
In 1954, she met the love of her life John Sousa Belerique. They were blessed with 2 daughters Teresa and Christina. In 1970, John traveled to the United States and brought his family over shortly after, making their home in Smith River.
She enjoyed crocheting, harvesting her fruit trees, baking treats like her famous sweet bread, playing sueca with her family, and feeding cheese to her grandpuppies. She loved using her iPad to FaceTime friends and family around the world, and also loved being surrounded by amazing neighbors. She was a devoted catholic and a member of St. Joseph’s parish.
Ilda passed away peacefully on August 1st, surrounded by friends and family.
She is preceded in death by John, her beloved husband of 47 years, who passed away in 2010. Her memory will live on through her daughter Teresa Borges (husband Manuel, son Michael and his wife Suzanne); daughter Christina Van Dyke (husband Kurt, son Kyle, and daughter Marissa), and numerous loved ones around the world.
A viewing will be held Thursday August 5, 2021, from 12:00 pm to 6 pm at Wier’s Mortuary Chapel. The Rosary will begin directly after, at 6:00 pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Friday, August 6, 2021, 11:00 am, at St. Joseph Catholic Church with the Committal to follow at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery.