Iria Tavares Ruela

Iria Tavares Ruela, 79, of Bethlehem, passed away Sunday, July 28th at St. Luke's Hospital, Fountain Hill Campus. Born in Pardelhas, Murtosa, Portugal she was the daughter of the late Pantaleao Jose Henriques and Domingas Tavares Rebimbas. She was married to the late Goncalo Ruela.

Iria dedicated herself to her family and her faith. She was a loyal member of Holy Infancy church where she was involved with the Our Lady of Fatima Irmandade. Iria was also a member of the Portuguese Club in Bethlehem and volunteered with the women's auxiliary group. She was a loving mother and grandmother who adored her grandsons.

Iria will be lovingly remembered by her son, Michael Ruela and wife, Ana, sisters, Amelia Henriques and Laura Amador, grandsons, Michael, Justin, Joshua, and Logan, daughter-in-law, Evelina Ruela, sisters-in-law, Ana Pinto, Julia Fernades, and Isabel Cunha, and many nieces, nephews and extended family. She was preceded in death by her son, Anthony "Tony" Ruela, sisters, Ana Rosa Silva and Maria "Maria "Dos Anjos" Tavares, and brother, Jose Henriques.

A viewing will be held at Holy Infancy Catholic Church, 312 E. 4th St., Bethlehem, PA 18015 on Wednesday, July 31, 2024 from 8:30-10:30 AM followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 AM. Burial will follow at Holy Saviour Cemetery. Arrangements Connell Funeral Home.

Memorial contributions may be made in Iria's name to Holy Infancy Church