Obituary
In Loving Memory of Marie Valentina Fahey (Oliveira)
Marie Valentina Fahey (Oliveira), of Somerville and Martha’s Vineyard, passed away peacefully in the comfort of her home, surrounded by the love of her family, on July 4, 2026. She was 81 years old.
Born on March 12, 1945, in São Miguel, Portugal, she was the beloved daughter of Joseph Oliveira and Maria (Silva). Marie was the dear sister of Natalie Pino of Florida; the late Joseph Oliveira, Manuel Oliveira, Fernanda McNamara, and Mary Oliveira.
At the age of 9, Marie immigrated to the United States and settled in Somerville, Massachusetts, where she met the love of her life, Joseph. They were married at St. Joseph’s Church on September 26, 1964. Together they raised their two children, Ann Marie and Joey, along with their niece, Patty, in Somerville. Their home was always open to family and friends during the holidays, especially on Christmas Eve. Family was the center of Marie’s world, and nothing brought her greater joy than spending time with those she loved.
Marie spent many of her happiest days on Martha’s Vineyard with her family. She loved fishing alongside her husband and family on their boat, playing cards, and simply relaxing together. The Vineyard became the backdrop for countless family traditions and unforgettable memories. She especially looked forward to the Agricultural Fair and the Portuguese Feast, where she enjoyed celebrating with those she loved.
Above all, Marie cherished every moment spent with her family, especially her granddaughters, Shannon, Shianne, and Shayna, and her great-granddaughter, Vivi, who adored their “Nan.” They were her world, and she was theirs. They were the light of her life, and the love they shared was immeasurable. The memories they created together will be treasured forever.
Marie will be remembered as a beautiful soul whose kindness, compassion, warm smile, and gentle spirit brought comfort to everyone she met. She had a rare gift for making others feel at peace, and her greatest happiness came from simply being surrounded by those she loved. Marie was truly one of a kind.
Marie will be deeply missed by her loving husband, Joseph; her daughter, Ann Marie, and her husband, Jeff; her son, Joseph Jr.; her granddaughters, Shannon, Shayna, and Shianne and her husband, Alex, along with their daughter, Vivienne Marie; her beloved niece, Patty, and her husband, Mike, and their children, Kristen and Derek; as well as many nieces, nephews, sisters-in-law, and dear friends.
Though our hearts are broken, we find comfort in knowing that her love and the memories she created will live on in the hearts of all who were blessed to know her.
Her legacy is one of love, kindness, and grace—a life devoted to family, lived with quiet strength, and filled with compassion. Though she is gone from our sight, her love will remain in our hearts, and her memory will be a blessing for generations to come.
Calling Hours will be held in the George L. Doherty Funeral Home, 855 Broadway (Powder House Sq.) Somerville on Wednesday, July 15th from 10:30AM to 12:30PM followed by a Funeral Mass celebrated in St. Catherine of Genoa Church, 185 Summer Street, Somerville at 1:00PM. Relatives and friends invited to attend. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations in Marie’s memory can be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital at https://www.stjude.org/donate/donate-to-st-jude-today.html

I want to give my deepest condolences to her husband Joe and her family. She is a truly beautiful person, she will be deeply missed.