MARLBOROUGH- Sister Hilda (Maria) Fernandes (Sr. M. of Our Lady of Fatima) died at Marie Esther Health Care Center on March 14, 2008 after a long illness. She was 81 years of age and had been a Contemplative Sister of the Good Shepherd for 60 years. Sister Hilda was born in New Bedford, MA, the daughter of Armando and Maria Jose (Gonsalves) Fernandes. She was educated in the New Bedford Schools and attended high school there prior to her entrance to the Novitiate in 1947. There she began her long career in the prayerful support of the Good Shepherd mission to the poor and marginalized of society, with special focus on teen-age girls and women. Sister Hilda exercised her Fourth Vow of Zeal for the mission in many ways, including her work in the Altar Bread Department which provided hosts for many parishes. An outstanding organist, she provided the music for the liturgical services in the community. She was also a member of the Sisters' orchestra, and her considerable musical skills included playing the harmonica, violin, and piano as well. She also found time to use her talent in arts and crafts by supplying many useful and attractive items for the Gift Shop. Her sisters in community are unanimous in attesting to the joy she provided, not only by the generous use of her many gifts, but by her cheerful disposition. She always had a smile for everyone. Sister Hilda made her Final Vows in 1958 and was missioned to Madonna Heights, the Good Shepherd program in Brooklyn, N.Y. When the program re-located to Dix Hills, Long Island, she continued her many years of faithful service in the fold of the Good Shepherd. She celebrated her 60th Jubilee with family, sisters, and friends in 2006. Sister Hilda was missioned to Good Shepherd Center in Marlborough and subsequently to the Marie Esther Health Center, also in Marlborough. Sister Hilda is survived by her nephews Allen Baker of Oakdale, New York, David Baker of Virginia Beach, Howard Baker of California, niece Barbara Tyra of Sable, NY and predeceased by Larry Baker. She was predeceased by her sister Ida McMullen and both brothers Lenny Fernandes and Carl Fernandes. She also leaves many Sisters in religion within the family of Sisters of the Good Shepherd. A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered for Sister Hilda by Rev. Robert Rivard, Sons of Mary at11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, March 18, 2008 at the Good Shepherd Center Chapel at 406 Hemenway St., Marlborough, MA. Calling hours will be on Monday, March 17, 2008 from 4pm to 8pm at the Chapel with a prayer service at 6:30 pm. Burial will take place at the Sisters' cemetery, Gates of Heaven Cemetery at Madonna Heights in Dix Hills, N.Y. Arrangements are under the direction of Fitzgerald & Collins Funeral Home. Expressions of sympathy in Sister Hilda's memory may be made to the Good Shepherd Retirement Fund, 406 Hemenway Street, Marlborough, MA 01752. All are welcome to sign Sister Hilda's online guestbook at www.SFCFH.com. The community was founded by St. Mary Euphrasia Pelletier in Angers, France in 1835, in the U.S. (Louisville, KY) 1843, and in Brooklyn, NY in 1868.