Cidalina O. Carvalho

Cidalina O. Carvalho, 88, of Bethlehem, passed away on September 13, 2026, exactly 53 years to the day after she immigrated to the United States from her native Portugal. Born on March 3, 1938, in Chaque, Branca, Portugal, Cidalina was a daughter of the late Joaquim Tavares and Ana Oliveira. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Francisco Carvalho, who passed away in 1987. 

Cidalina spent her early years in Portugal, where she worked on farms before beginning a new chapter of her life in the United States. She immigrated on September 13, 1973, settling in the Bethlehem area and building a life centered around hard work, family, and her faith. 

She worked as a seamstress for many years, beginning with SureFit and later working for several other textile companies before completing her career with Paula’s Father.  

Away from work, Cidalina enjoyed gardening and crocheting. She was a parishioner of Holy Infancy Catholic Church in Bethlehem. 

Above all, Cidalina will be remembered for the family she loved and the life she built for them. She will be lovingly remembered by her children, Maria Santos and her husband, Marcelino Santos; Joaquim Carvalho and his wife, Maria Conceição; Margarida Gomes and her husband, Ilidio Gomes; Maria L. Carvalho Lopes and her husband, Fernando N. Lopes; Maria Alice Carvalho and her spouse, Reyes Ortiz; and Francisco O. Carvalho and his wife, Lisa Moore Carvalho. She is also survived by 12 grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and extended family and friends. 

Cidalina was preceded in death by her husband, Francisco, and her son, Manuel Carvalho. 

A visitation will be held from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. on Thursday, September 17, 2026, at Connell Funeral Home, 245 E. Broad St., Bethlehem, PA 18018. A second visitation will be held at the funeral home from 8:00 to 9:00 a.m. on Friday, September 18, 2026. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, September 18, 2026, at Holy Infancy Catholic Church, 312 E. 4th St., Bethlehem, PA 18015. 

Cidalina will be laid to rest alongside her husband in Portugal. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. 

Condolences may be offered at www.connellfuneral.com.