Dilia M "Caldeira" Morgado

Dilia M. (Caldeira) Morgado, affectionately known as Dilia by those who knew her best, passed away peacefully on Sunday August 17, 2025, at Rhode Island Hospital, after a courageous battle with breast cancer, at the age of 53. Born on March 6, 1972, in the picturesque island of Faial in the Azores, Dilia brought warmth and joy to everyone she encountered. Her radiant spirit and compassionate heart will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and the many lives she touched throughout her journey.

Dilia was the beloved wife of Steve Morgado and the cherished daughter of Jose and Maria Fatima (Lopes) Caldeira of East Providence. She was a devoted mother to her three children: Steven Michael Morgado, a proud graduate of the University of New England; Caitlin Elizabeth Morgado, a senior at the University of South Carolina; and Mason Joseph Morgado, a sophomore at Pennsylvania State University. Her role as a mother was one she held most dear, nurturing her children with love, guidance, and unwavering support.

In addition to her immediate family, Dilia was the loving sister of Mario Caldeira and his wife Rita of East Providence, Maria Tashdjian and her husband Raffi of East Providence, and Judy Caldeira of East Providence. She was also a respected daughter-in-law to Fatima Morgado of East Providence and a dear sister-in-law to Michael Morgado and his wife Tania of Rehoboth. Dilia's joy extended to her role as an aunt to Brittany, Tyler, Brianna, Dylan, Talya, Marshall, Ava, and as a great aunt to Eliza, all of whom will remember her fondly for her engaging stories and infectious laughter.

Dilia's academic journey led her to earn an associate's degree in physical therapy from the Community College of Rhode Island (CCRI). Her entrepreneurial spirit shone brightly as the owner of the Purple Cow Ice Cream Shops, in Pawtucket and Seekonk where she served scoops of happiness to the community she loved. Dilia's work was more than a career; it was a means to connect with people from all walks of life, spreading kindness and cheer with every interaction.

Since 2004, Dilia resided in Dighton after moving from Rehoboth. She was an active and devoted parishioner of St. Francis Xavier Church, where her faith and dedication to service were evident. She found joy in volunteering for various church activities, teaching CCD, and providing guidance and support to the youth in her community. Dilia's commitment to her faith was matched only by her commitment to her family, as she often chaperoned her Children's school field trips, creating memories that would last a lifetime.

Dilia's interests were as varied as they were fulfilling. She had a passion for reading, which allowed her to explore worlds beyond her own, and her culinary skills brought family and friends together around the dinner table to share in her delicious creations. Travel was another of Dilia's pleasures, providing her with the opportunity to experience new cultures and gather stories to share with her loved ones. Above all, Dilia's family was the cornerstone of her life. Her love for them was her guiding force and greatest legacy.

Described by those who knew her as loving, thoughtful, and courageous, Dilia's impact on the world was profound and enduring. Her warm presence and the genuine care she showed for others will continue to resonate in the hearts of those she leaves behind. Dilia M. (Caldeira) Morgado lived a life full of purpose and love, and her story will be told with admiration and affection for generations to come.

Forever "the Morgado family of 5".

Her funeral will be held on Friday August 22,2025 at 8:30am from the REBELLO FUNERAL HOME, 901 Broadway, East Providence, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00am in St. Francis Xavier Church, 81 North Carpenter Street, East Providence. Burial will follow in Gate of Heaven Cemetery, 550 Wampanoag Trail, East Providence, RI.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend. Calling hours are on Thursday from 4:00pm – 7:00pm in the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to https://donate.thon.org/participants/120947?language=en&referrer=mf%3A120947%3Ayou-copy

www.rebellofuneralhomes.com.