Annabelle W. Fernandes

Annabelle (Watson) Fernandes passed away in Boca Raton, Florida on August 5, 2023.  She died of natural causes and was 89 years old, just shy of her 90th birthday.  Annabelle was the only daughter of Frederick and Esther Watson and was predeceased by brothers Frederick Watson and Edwin Watson.  She spent her early years in Taunton, Massachusetts prior to moving to the neighboring town of Norton upon marriage.  Annabelle was married to Joseph E. Fernandes, founder of Fernandes Supermarkets, for 53 years prior to his death in 2007.

A devoted mother and grandmother, Annabelle took great pride in her home and her family.  She was known for her kind and generous spirit, along with the wonderful sense of humor that she inherited from her father.  She taught herself to play the piano and was a member of the Norton Singers, a community theater group.  When her children were young, she was a Brownie troop leader and longtime volunteer at Morton Hospital until being offered the position of Volunteer Coordinator there.  She later worked for Rath Meats in Easton, Massachusetts before retiring. 

In 2017, Annabelle moved to an Assisted Living Facility in Florida to be closer to her children.  She is survived by her son Joseph (Jay) Fernandes, daughters Marcia Fernandes and Donna Fernandes (spouse Robert Savage), grandson Joseph Skyler Fernandes (spouse Jenna Dreher) and great-grandsons Summit and Shields, along with numerous nieces and nephews.               

The family will be returning Annabelle’s ashes to Massachusetts for a private burial.