Michelle (Thornber) Carmo

Michelle Louise (Thornber) Carmo, born to the late James and Holly (Hardy) Thornber, passed away suddenly on December 23, 2023, at her home in Taunton, Massachusetts, at the age of 54.

Born on May 23, 1969, in New Bedford, MA, Shelly was a kind and gentle soul that cherished her family. Shelly and her husband Luis Carmo had been together 35 years, married for 21. Their love story began in September of 1988 while they were both working at Taunton State Hospital. Shelly would later become a stay-at-home Mom caring for their only son Zachary. In June of 2002, Luis and Shelly surprised family and friends at a summer pig roast, where they were joined in marriage by Shelly's best friend Michelle "Mimi" (Moran) Rego, who became an officiant for the event.

After returning to the workforce, Shelly utilized her compassionate, patient, and nurturing personality to help those at the Taunton Council on Aging. Most recently, Shelly contributed her talents and skills to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts at the Electronic Data Management Center (EDMC) as a clerk and then advanced to Supervisor. She was a cherished friend to all that knew and worked with her.

In her leisure time, Shelly found solace in the simple beauties of life. She had a remarkable talent for discovering four-leaf clovers, a rare find symbolizing good fortune. Her passion for tie-dye and daisies mirrored her vibrant personality, spreading joy and warmth to all those around her.

Shelly enjoyed spending time at the shore with Luis in Tiverton looking for sea glass and heart shaped rocks. Many weekends they would head to Falmouth to dig clams and quahogs.  She was a wonderful cook and enjoyed cooking large holiday meals for her family. She was a music lover, avid reader, and art enthusiast. Shelly was passionate about supporting local and small businesses and often shared information on new and upcoming businesses with friends. She had a great love of animals and loved to cuddle her beloved cats MaryCat and TJ, even taking TJ across the country to California on vacation with her and Luis. Any time she could spend with her grandson, Theodore, was precious and they could often be found spending time in the back yard on the patio swing.

Her son Zachary and grandson Theodore held a special place in her heart, and she showered them with unconditional love and support. Shelly, affectionately known as Tia Shelly, extended her care and positive influence on her nieces and nephews, leaving an indelible mark on their lives. She was considered a second mother to many of Zachary friends.

Shelly will forever be remembered and deeply missed by her husband, Luis, her devoted son Zachary, and her cherished grandson Theodore. She is also survived by her brother, James Thornber, Uncle Bob/Aunt Kathy Thornber, Uncle Carl/Aunt Mary Thornber, Aunt Patricia (Thornber) Jenkins/Richard Jenkins and Uncle Dave/Aunt Julianna Hardy, as well as numerous cousins she loved. She was devoted to the Carmo family and leaves behind her mother-in-law, Maria (Goulart) Carmo, and her caring brothers-in-law, Jose, Antonio, and the late Mario Carmo. Additionally, she leaves behind her sister-in-law Angela Carmo and a host of nieces and nephews: Michael Bliss, Nina (Carmo) Mendoza, Chace Carmo, Christopher Carmo, the late Jonathan Carmo, Timothy Carmo, LaJona Carmo Powell, Kristina Carmo Byrne, Ryan Andrews, Kayla Carmo, Gabrielle (Carmo) Foster and Nicholas Carmo. The bonds she formed with her family will continue to endure through cherished memories.

Visiting hours will be held on Sunday, January 7, 2024, from 2 to 5 pm in the Silva Funeral Home  80 Broadway (at Saint Mary’s Square) Taunton. Additional parking with handicap access is located on the North side of the funeral home. Following the visitation, a gathering will take place at the Portuguese American Civic Club (PACC), located at 175 School Street, Taunton, MA, where relatives and friends are warmly invited to join the family in commemorating Shelly's life. Additionally, a summertime celebration will also be scheduled later in 2024.

Shelly Carmo's presence, unwavering love for her family, and her ability to find joy in life's smallest treasures will forever be etched in our hearts. Her memory will serve as a guiding light, reminding us to embrace beauty in everyday moments. In lieu of flowers, the family would like random acts of kindness performed in memory of Shelly’s kind and giving spirit.

For expressions of sympathy, to sign an online guestbook or to light a memorial candle, visit www.silvafuneralhome.com.