DEATH
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Leona C. (Allen) Mansfield
Mar 14, 2026 |
Leona C. (Allen) Mansfield, 94, of Mattapoisett, passed away on March 9, 2026 surrounded by her family. She was the wife of the late Donald L. Mansfield, married for 46 years. They were a special couple, inseparable, sharing their passions for gardening, traveling, cooking, their home and especially their family.
Born in Brooklyn, NY, daughter of the late Leo and Josephine (Davis) Allen, Leona grew up in New Bedford. After marrying, Leona and Don moved to the Northshore, eventually settling in Hamilton, MA. In Hamilton, Leona taught kindergarten and 1st grade. Summering in Mattapoisett, they moved full-time to Mattapoisett after retiring.
Leona had a real creative flare. In her younger years she worked with ceramics and gold leaf painting. She stenciled the walls in their home and stenciled fabrics for quilting. She was an avid reader who also enjoyed watching the birds, gardening, knitting and doing crosswords.
Leona was a member of the Mattapoisett Women's Club and Friends of the Mattapoisett COA, where she organized and oversaw the making of craft projects that were given to residents in the local nursing homes.
She was a strong, generous, warm and loving woman whose faith was very important. She was a devoted communicant of St. Anthony's church.
Survivors include her daughters, Melinda Reed and her husband Peter, Lori Briggs, and Jane Zychowicz, all of Mattapoisett; her best friend since grade school and sister-in-law Patricia Allen; her grandchildren, Amalia Thomson and her husband Liam, and Paul Zychowicz and his wife Karen; and her great grandchildren, Quinn, Tripp, Alex, and Nathan. She is survived by several nieces and a nephew with special appreciation for her niece, Susan Dawson, who faithfully made time to visit and brighten her days.
She is predeceased by her siblings Kevin Allen, Bernadette St. Denis, and Florence MacFarland; and her son-in-law Daniel Briggs.
Private services were held at St. Anthony's, Mattapoisett, MA. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to Harborside Hospice, LLC, PO Box 930, Haverhill, MA 01831; St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, P.O. Box 1999, Memphis, TN 38101; or the charity of your choice. For online guestbook, please visit www.saundersdwyer.com
Born in Brooklyn, NY, daughter of the late Leo and Josephine (Davis) Allen, Leona grew up in New Bedford. After marrying, Leona and Don moved to the Northshore, eventually settling in Hamilton, MA. In Hamilton, Leona taught kindergarten and 1st grade. Summering in Mattapoisett, they moved full-time to Mattapoisett after retiring.
Leona had a real creative flare. In her younger years she worked with ceramics and gold leaf painting. She stenciled the walls in their home and stenciled fabrics for quilting. She was an avid reader who also enjoyed watching the birds, gardening, knitting and doing crosswords.
Leona was a member of the Mattapoisett Women's Club and Friends of the Mattapoisett COA, where she organized and oversaw the making of craft projects that were given to residents in the local nursing homes.
She was a strong, generous, warm and loving woman whose faith was very important. She was a devoted communicant of St. Anthony's church.
Survivors include her daughters, Melinda Reed and her husband Peter, Lori Briggs, and Jane Zychowicz, all of Mattapoisett; her best friend since grade school and sister-in-law Patricia Allen; her grandchildren, Amalia Thomson and her husband Liam, and Paul Zychowicz and his wife Karen; and her great grandchildren, Quinn, Tripp, Alex, and Nathan. She is survived by several nieces and a nephew with special appreciation for her niece, Susan Dawson, who faithfully made time to visit and brighten her days.
She is predeceased by her siblings Kevin Allen, Bernadette St. Denis, and Florence MacFarland; and her son-in-law Daniel Briggs.
Private services were held at St. Anthony's, Mattapoisett, MA. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to Harborside Hospice, LLC, PO Box 930, Haverhill, MA 01831; St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, P.O. Box 1999, Memphis, TN 38101; or the charity of your choice. For online guestbook, please visit www.saundersdwyer.com
DEATH
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Paula Hudson Chambers
Mar 14, 2026 |
Paula Hudson Chambers, of Rochester, passed away on March 14, 2026 at the age of 79. She was the beloved wife of Karl Dennis Chambers, with whom she shared 56 years of loving marriage and a lifetime of big blessings and little miracles.
Born in Newburyport, Massachusetts, to Mary Jean (nee Plouff) and Donald G. Hudson, Paula was raised with the strong Christian faith that served as her lifelong compass. Paula's faith was forged in the Plymouth Brethren tradition and nurtured during summers at Camp Berea on Newfound Lake. She graduated from Newburyport High School in 1964 and resided for many years on Scotland Road in Newbury and Federal Street in Newburyport.
Her devoted family was the absolute center of Paula's life. She is survived by her husband, Karl Dennis Chambers; her daughters, Lauren Chambers Fredette (John Francis Fredette) and Erica Leigh Cecil (Morgan Lee Cecil); and her grandchildren, who were her greatest joy: John Chambers Fredette, Tess Elizabeth Fredette, Elijah Ocean Neal, Theodore Moses Cecil, Oliver Hudson Cecil, and Juniper Lee Cecil. She also lives in the hearts of her brother Donald P. Hudson and sister Dr. Laurel Jean Hudson (and daughters Susan Nichols and Devon Villarreal) and a loyal community of friends.
Paula will be remembered for her optimism, her creativity in homemaking, an appreciation for beautiful things in nature, a Hudson sense of humor, and the love she shared so completely with those blessed to be in her life. As she often prayed, she has finally found peace in the presence of the Lord.
Memorial Service details will be announced in the future. For online guestbook, please visit www.saundersdwyer.com
Born in Newburyport, Massachusetts, to Mary Jean (nee Plouff) and Donald G. Hudson, Paula was raised with the strong Christian faith that served as her lifelong compass. Paula's faith was forged in the Plymouth Brethren tradition and nurtured during summers at Camp Berea on Newfound Lake. She graduated from Newburyport High School in 1964 and resided for many years on Scotland Road in Newbury and Federal Street in Newburyport.
Her devoted family was the absolute center of Paula's life. She is survived by her husband, Karl Dennis Chambers; her daughters, Lauren Chambers Fredette (John Francis Fredette) and Erica Leigh Cecil (Morgan Lee Cecil); and her grandchildren, who were her greatest joy: John Chambers Fredette, Tess Elizabeth Fredette, Elijah Ocean Neal, Theodore Moses Cecil, Oliver Hudson Cecil, and Juniper Lee Cecil. She also lives in the hearts of her brother Donald P. Hudson and sister Dr. Laurel Jean Hudson (and daughters Susan Nichols and Devon Villarreal) and a loyal community of friends.
Paula will be remembered for her optimism, her creativity in homemaking, an appreciation for beautiful things in nature, a Hudson sense of humor, and the love she shared so completely with those blessed to be in her life. As she often prayed, she has finally found peace in the presence of the Lord.
Memorial Service details will be announced in the future. For online guestbook, please visit www.saundersdwyer.com
DEATH
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Margaret M. (Walsh) Bancroft
Mar 06, 2026 |
Margaret M. (Walsh) Bancroft, 86, formerly of Mattapoisett died peacefully March 6, 2026 at Sacred Heart Home after a period of declining health.
Born September 9, 1939 in New Bedford, the daughter of James J. and Agnes (McGrath) Walsh, she married David A. Bancroft, her high school sweetheart. They started their married life near Buttonwood Park in New Bedford's West End. In 1974, they moved to Mattapoisett to raise their family. She was a communicant of St Anthony's Church in Mattapoisett.
Margaret was proud of her parents Newfoundland heritage and enjoyed visiting the various Cape Shore communities they hailed from on the Avalon Peninsula.
She was a lover of "going to the beach". She could be found almost every day in the summer either sitting in the sun or quahogging at Shining Tides Beach in Mattapoisett. Beach chairs, chowder and stuffed quahogs were a family summer staple.
Known as Maggie or Margie to some and Margo to others, she had a spitfire personality and a huge sense of humor. She enjoyed playing a practical joke as much as having one played on her. She found ways to ease the pressure in tense situations. She was an outgoing and approachable personality that made people feel relaxed, comfortable and at ease. She had a sensitivity to realizing someone in a group was not feeling comfortable and helping them navigate the landscape. Maggie was someone you could talk to in confidence and knew it wasn't going any further. She had a knack for taking people under her wing and letting them know everything was going to be alright.
Maggie was an enormous lover of animals, especially her dogs. There was always a menagerie of different creatures that became a part of the family. Her husband always feared one day he might come home and find a horse taking up residence in the family room.
Maggie was a voracious reader and lover of books. Her passion for reading started at a young age. She organized, introduced the Dewey Decimal System and served as librarian at Holy Family Grammar School when her children were enrolled there. That passion continued into the library room she had built at her home in Mattapoisett.
Later in life she had the ability to travel to Switzerland and the alpine countries, Scandinavia, the Baltic region and Russia. She took herself on a transatlantic cruise. She always enjoyed spending time with her children in the Cayman Islands, the Bahamas, other Caribbean Islands and skiing in the White Mountains of New Hampshire.
Margaret instilled in her family the importance of education and striving to do your best in whatever endeavor you undertook. She also believed you should be proud of your accomplishments but never forget where you came from and never think you are better than someone else. She was quick to call you out if she thought you got "too big for your britches".
Survivors include her son David J. Bancroft and husband John M. Nickulas of Kennebunkport, Maine; her daughter Robin L. Bancroft of Fairhaven, MA; a sister Joan M. Vlcek of Fairhaven, MA; her sisters-in-law Mary Ann Bancroft, and Irene Bancroft; her brother-in-law John Bancroft and his wife Carol Bancroft of Dartmouth, MA; and many nieces and nephews.
She is preceded in death by her husband David A. Bancroft who died in 2005 who she shared 43 years of marriage; her son Michael A. Bancroft who died in 1996 at the age of 26; her sisters Alice C. Walsh, Elizabeth Vera and Catherine Perkins; brother-and-sisters in-law Lawrence Vera, Joseph Vlcek, Arthur and Claire Bancroft; William and Jeanne Bancroft; Robert and June Bancroft; Paul Bancroft; Richard and Eleanor Bancroft; James and Connie Bancroft and Donald Bancroft.
Her children would like to extend tremendous thanks and gratitude to the staff at both the Residence at Cedar Dell and Sacred Heart Home who showed love and care for her these past years.
Visiting Hours will be held on Wednesday March 11th from 4-7 pm. Her Funeral will be held on Friday March 13th at 9 am from Saunders-Dwyer Home for Funerals, 495 Park Street, New Bedford, followed by her Funeral Mass at Holy Name of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Church, 121 Mt Pleasant Street, New Bedford, MA at 10 am. A private burial will follow at the family plot in Riverside Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, remembrances can be made online or via check to the Louis T Graves Memorial Library, 18 Maine Street, PO Box 391, Kennebunkport, ME 04046, or the Pan-Mass Challenge - Jimmy Fund, 77 4th Avenue, Needham, MA 02494.
Born September 9, 1939 in New Bedford, the daughter of James J. and Agnes (McGrath) Walsh, she married David A. Bancroft, her high school sweetheart. They started their married life near Buttonwood Park in New Bedford's West End. In 1974, they moved to Mattapoisett to raise their family. She was a communicant of St Anthony's Church in Mattapoisett.
Margaret was proud of her parents Newfoundland heritage and enjoyed visiting the various Cape Shore communities they hailed from on the Avalon Peninsula.
She was a lover of "going to the beach". She could be found almost every day in the summer either sitting in the sun or quahogging at Shining Tides Beach in Mattapoisett. Beach chairs, chowder and stuffed quahogs were a family summer staple.
Known as Maggie or Margie to some and Margo to others, she had a spitfire personality and a huge sense of humor. She enjoyed playing a practical joke as much as having one played on her. She found ways to ease the pressure in tense situations. She was an outgoing and approachable personality that made people feel relaxed, comfortable and at ease. She had a sensitivity to realizing someone in a group was not feeling comfortable and helping them navigate the landscape. Maggie was someone you could talk to in confidence and knew it wasn't going any further. She had a knack for taking people under her wing and letting them know everything was going to be alright.
Maggie was an enormous lover of animals, especially her dogs. There was always a menagerie of different creatures that became a part of the family. Her husband always feared one day he might come home and find a horse taking up residence in the family room.
Maggie was a voracious reader and lover of books. Her passion for reading started at a young age. She organized, introduced the Dewey Decimal System and served as librarian at Holy Family Grammar School when her children were enrolled there. That passion continued into the library room she had built at her home in Mattapoisett.
Later in life she had the ability to travel to Switzerland and the alpine countries, Scandinavia, the Baltic region and Russia. She took herself on a transatlantic cruise. She always enjoyed spending time with her children in the Cayman Islands, the Bahamas, other Caribbean Islands and skiing in the White Mountains of New Hampshire.
Margaret instilled in her family the importance of education and striving to do your best in whatever endeavor you undertook. She also believed you should be proud of your accomplishments but never forget where you came from and never think you are better than someone else. She was quick to call you out if she thought you got "too big for your britches".
Survivors include her son David J. Bancroft and husband John M. Nickulas of Kennebunkport, Maine; her daughter Robin L. Bancroft of Fairhaven, MA; a sister Joan M. Vlcek of Fairhaven, MA; her sisters-in-law Mary Ann Bancroft, and Irene Bancroft; her brother-in-law John Bancroft and his wife Carol Bancroft of Dartmouth, MA; and many nieces and nephews.
She is preceded in death by her husband David A. Bancroft who died in 2005 who she shared 43 years of marriage; her son Michael A. Bancroft who died in 1996 at the age of 26; her sisters Alice C. Walsh, Elizabeth Vera and Catherine Perkins; brother-and-sisters in-law Lawrence Vera, Joseph Vlcek, Arthur and Claire Bancroft; William and Jeanne Bancroft; Robert and June Bancroft; Paul Bancroft; Richard and Eleanor Bancroft; James and Connie Bancroft and Donald Bancroft.
Her children would like to extend tremendous thanks and gratitude to the staff at both the Residence at Cedar Dell and Sacred Heart Home who showed love and care for her these past years.
Visiting Hours will be held on Wednesday March 11th from 4-7 pm. Her Funeral will be held on Friday March 13th at 9 am from Saunders-Dwyer Home for Funerals, 495 Park Street, New Bedford, followed by her Funeral Mass at Holy Name of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Church, 121 Mt Pleasant Street, New Bedford, MA at 10 am. A private burial will follow at the family plot in Riverside Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, remembrances can be made online or via check to the Louis T Graves Memorial Library, 18 Maine Street, PO Box 391, Kennebunkport, ME 04046, or the Pan-Mass Challenge - Jimmy Fund, 77 4th Avenue, Needham, MA 02494.
DEATH
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Vickie Carr
Mar 06, 2026 |
In loving memory of Vickie Carr, whose life was a testament to the power of words, compassion, and unwavering love, we announce her peaceful passing at home in Mattapoisett on March 6, 2026, after a courageous battle with a long illness. Born on July 7, 1956, in Quantico, Virginia, Vickie's journey was one marked by remarkable achievements and profound connections.
Vickie's early years were shaped by her insatiable love for literature. This passion led her to Syracuse University, where she earned a Bachelor's degree in English and Journalism in 1978. Her pursuit of knowledge and creativity continued at Antioch University, where she attained a Master's degree in Creative Writing in 1982. These academic achievements laid the foundation for a career that would touch countless lives.
As an award-winning journalist, Vickie's voice resonated with truth and empathy. Her dedication to honest storytelling earned her the prestigious Edward R. Murrow award for her work with National Public Radio, along with a Best News Story award from the New England Press Association. Vickie's commitment to raising awareness about critical issues was further recognized with the Sword of Hope award from the American Cancer Society in 1984. Her literary talents extended beyond journalism, as she published several short stories in acclaimed literary magazines, leaving a lasting mark on the world of literature.
Beyond her professional achievements, Vickie was known for her boundless kindness and generosity. She had an extraordinary ability to put others before herself, often offering a listening ear and a warm smile to those in need. Her love for reading enriched her life and inspired those around her to explore new worlds through literature.
Vickie is survived by her devoted husband of 46 years, Paul Bergstein, whose partnership and love were a constant source of strength and joy in her life. She is also lovingly remembered by her siblings, Cindy Fiedler, Terry Tomasello, Rob Bruno, and Richard Bruno. Vickie was predeceased by her beloved son, Nicholas Carr Bergstein, whose memory she cherished dearly.
A wake in memory of Vickie's life will take place on Thursday, March 12, 2026 from 4-6 pm in the Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home for Funerals, 50 County Rd., Mattapoisett. Family, friends, and all whose lives were touched by Vickie are invited to gather in remembrance and gratitude for the legacy she leaves behind. Her burial in Cushing Cemetery will be held privately. For directions and guestbook, visit www.saundersdwyer.com.
The family wishes to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the staff and volunteers at Community Nurse of Fairhaven, MA for their unwavering support and compassionate care during Vickie's illness. Your kindness and dedication brought comfort and peace to Vickie and her loved ones in her final days. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to Community Nurse. Donations can be made online at https://www.communitynurse.com/support/donate/.
Vickie's spirit will forever echo in the hearts of those who knew her, as we carry forward her legacy of kindness, love, and dedication to truth.
Vickie's early years were shaped by her insatiable love for literature. This passion led her to Syracuse University, where she earned a Bachelor's degree in English and Journalism in 1978. Her pursuit of knowledge and creativity continued at Antioch University, where she attained a Master's degree in Creative Writing in 1982. These academic achievements laid the foundation for a career that would touch countless lives.
As an award-winning journalist, Vickie's voice resonated with truth and empathy. Her dedication to honest storytelling earned her the prestigious Edward R. Murrow award for her work with National Public Radio, along with a Best News Story award from the New England Press Association. Vickie's commitment to raising awareness about critical issues was further recognized with the Sword of Hope award from the American Cancer Society in 1984. Her literary talents extended beyond journalism, as she published several short stories in acclaimed literary magazines, leaving a lasting mark on the world of literature.
Beyond her professional achievements, Vickie was known for her boundless kindness and generosity. She had an extraordinary ability to put others before herself, often offering a listening ear and a warm smile to those in need. Her love for reading enriched her life and inspired those around her to explore new worlds through literature.
Vickie is survived by her devoted husband of 46 years, Paul Bergstein, whose partnership and love were a constant source of strength and joy in her life. She is also lovingly remembered by her siblings, Cindy Fiedler, Terry Tomasello, Rob Bruno, and Richard Bruno. Vickie was predeceased by her beloved son, Nicholas Carr Bergstein, whose memory she cherished dearly.
A wake in memory of Vickie's life will take place on Thursday, March 12, 2026 from 4-6 pm in the Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home for Funerals, 50 County Rd., Mattapoisett. Family, friends, and all whose lives were touched by Vickie are invited to gather in remembrance and gratitude for the legacy she leaves behind. Her burial in Cushing Cemetery will be held privately. For directions and guestbook, visit www.saundersdwyer.com.
The family wishes to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the staff and volunteers at Community Nurse of Fairhaven, MA for their unwavering support and compassionate care during Vickie's illness. Your kindness and dedication brought comfort and peace to Vickie and her loved ones in her final days. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to Community Nurse. Donations can be made online at https://www.communitynurse.com/support/donate/.
Vickie's spirit will forever echo in the hearts of those who knew her, as we carry forward her legacy of kindness, love, and dedication to truth.
DEATH
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Maryann E. DeMello
Mar 04, 2026 |
Maryann E. DeMello, 59, of New Bedford, passed away peacefully on March 4, 2026, at Brigham and Women's Hospital after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer.
Born and raised in New Bedford, she was the daughter of Norbert DeMello and his wife Cheryl DeMello of Mattapoisett and the late Madeline E. (Perreira) DeMello. Maryann raised her family in Marion before returning to New Bedford.
Maryann was a beautiful soul filled with curiosity, creativity, and joy. A devoted lover of books, she owned and operated Castle Books in Wareham, MA for several years before deciding to share her passion for language and literature by becoming an English teacher. Over the last 14 years, she inspired countless students and formed lasting friendships with colleagues who admired her warmth, humor, and dedication. Her classroom was a place where stories lived, imagination thrived, and every student felt seen.
At the time of her passing, she was employed as an 8th grade English teacher at Whaling City Junior/Senior High School in New Bedford. Prior to that, she spent 13 years teaching 8th grade English at Roosevelt Junior High School in New Bedford, where she made a lasting impact on the lives of her students and colleagues.
Maryann cherished flowers and spent many happy hours working in a flower shop before becoming a teacher. Her sense of adventure led her to explore places she loved, most recently Portugal, where she enjoyed a once-in-a-lifetime trip with her family and created memories that will never be forgotten. Aruba and Nantucket were also among her favorite places.
Maryann had a playful and imaginative spirit. She especially loved Halloween and trips to King Richard's Faire, where she delighted in the magic, laughter, and fantasy of the experience. A devoted fan of storytelling and adventure, she enjoyed the worlds of Harry Potter, Game of Thrones, Star Wars, and Anime. Her treasured Snow White collection reflected her deep love of fairy tales and their enchantment. To family and friends, she will forever be remembered as Snow White.
Her memory lives on in the students she taught, the friends she cherished, and the family who loved her deeply.
She is survived by her father, Norbert DeMello; her stepmother, Cheryl DeMello; her stepchildren, Carolyn Horseman and her husband Tim Harding of Rochester, and Derek Horseman and his wife Kristy of Fairhaven; her brother, Randy DeMello and his girlfriend Kolina Kirkham of Mattapoisett; her sister-in-law, Jennifer DeMello of Fairhaven; two stepsisters, Kristin Gorman of Lakeville and Karley Roberts of Bristol, RI; and a stepbrother, Blake Roberts of Irving, TX.
She also leaves behind her niece and nephew, Alexa DeMello and Andrew DeMello and his fiancee Lexie Viveiros, as well as three cherished grandchildren, Nathan Oliveira, Hailey Harding, and William Harding.
She was the stepmother of the late Brian Oliveira.
Her visiting hours will be held on Tuesday, March 10th, from 4:00 to 7:00 PM at the Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home for Funerals, 50 County Road, Mattapoisett.
Her Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Wednesday, March 11th at 9:00 AM at St. Mary's Church, 440 Main Street, Fairhaven. Please meet directly at church. Burial will follow at Pine Grove Cemetery.
Flowers are welcome, or donations in her memory may be made to the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. 450 Brookline Ave., Boston, MA 02215.
Born and raised in New Bedford, she was the daughter of Norbert DeMello and his wife Cheryl DeMello of Mattapoisett and the late Madeline E. (Perreira) DeMello. Maryann raised her family in Marion before returning to New Bedford.
Maryann was a beautiful soul filled with curiosity, creativity, and joy. A devoted lover of books, she owned and operated Castle Books in Wareham, MA for several years before deciding to share her passion for language and literature by becoming an English teacher. Over the last 14 years, she inspired countless students and formed lasting friendships with colleagues who admired her warmth, humor, and dedication. Her classroom was a place where stories lived, imagination thrived, and every student felt seen.
At the time of her passing, she was employed as an 8th grade English teacher at Whaling City Junior/Senior High School in New Bedford. Prior to that, she spent 13 years teaching 8th grade English at Roosevelt Junior High School in New Bedford, where she made a lasting impact on the lives of her students and colleagues.
Maryann cherished flowers and spent many happy hours working in a flower shop before becoming a teacher. Her sense of adventure led her to explore places she loved, most recently Portugal, where she enjoyed a once-in-a-lifetime trip with her family and created memories that will never be forgotten. Aruba and Nantucket were also among her favorite places.
Maryann had a playful and imaginative spirit. She especially loved Halloween and trips to King Richard's Faire, where she delighted in the magic, laughter, and fantasy of the experience. A devoted fan of storytelling and adventure, she enjoyed the worlds of Harry Potter, Game of Thrones, Star Wars, and Anime. Her treasured Snow White collection reflected her deep love of fairy tales and their enchantment. To family and friends, she will forever be remembered as Snow White.
Her memory lives on in the students she taught, the friends she cherished, and the family who loved her deeply.
She is survived by her father, Norbert DeMello; her stepmother, Cheryl DeMello; her stepchildren, Carolyn Horseman and her husband Tim Harding of Rochester, and Derek Horseman and his wife Kristy of Fairhaven; her brother, Randy DeMello and his girlfriend Kolina Kirkham of Mattapoisett; her sister-in-law, Jennifer DeMello of Fairhaven; two stepsisters, Kristin Gorman of Lakeville and Karley Roberts of Bristol, RI; and a stepbrother, Blake Roberts of Irving, TX.
She also leaves behind her niece and nephew, Alexa DeMello and Andrew DeMello and his fiancee Lexie Viveiros, as well as three cherished grandchildren, Nathan Oliveira, Hailey Harding, and William Harding.
She was the stepmother of the late Brian Oliveira.
Her visiting hours will be held on Tuesday, March 10th, from 4:00 to 7:00 PM at the Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home for Funerals, 50 County Road, Mattapoisett.
Her Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Wednesday, March 11th at 9:00 AM at St. Mary's Church, 440 Main Street, Fairhaven. Please meet directly at church. Burial will follow at Pine Grove Cemetery.
Flowers are welcome, or donations in her memory may be made to the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. 450 Brookline Ave., Boston, MA 02215.
DEATH
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Jeanne (Sadeck) Bancroft
Mar 04, 2026 |
Jeanne (Sadeck) Bancroft, 92, of New Bedford, MA died peacefully at home on March 4, 2026, surrounded by her family after a long illness.
She was the wife of the late William Bancroft, with whom she shared 51 years of marriage.
Born on February 2, 1934 in New Bedford, daughter of the late Marshall C. and Eva A. (Chicoine) Sadeck, she resided there in the city until moving to Mattapoisett in 1974 and residing there for many years.
She was the loving mother of 5 children, Colleen Gordon and her husband Herbert of Fairhaven and New Bedford, Kathleen Tavares and her husband Anthony of Stuart, FL, Debra Kershaw and her husband John of Maui, HI and Joyce Lavoie and her husband Regis of Mattapoisett. She was the mother of the late Daniel Bancroft. She is also survived by her daughter-in-law, Cheryl Bancroft of Oviedo, FL; 15 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren (with another on the way) which she loved and cherished throughout her life.
She was a faithful and active parishioner of Holy Name of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Church in New Bedford for 74 years, and served actively there in many capacities. She was a long-time member of the Holy Name Couples Club for many years, serving on many committees to facilitate dances, dinners, raffles, and bazaars to raise funds to support the parish. She was also a member of the Holy Name Ladies Guild for many years as well.
A long-time member of the Holy Name Church choir, along with her husband, she contributed her beautiful soprano voice to every Sunday Mass and at various other parish events.
For most of her adult life she was a charter member of the Greater New Bedford Garden Club, adding botanical beauty to various historical sites and venues throughout the city.
In later years, she enjoyed traveling throughout many beautiful parts of Europe including Switzerland, Rome, Milan, Florence and Venice, Italy as well as various parts of our own country with her husband as well.
Jeanne was known to have a sparkling, engaging personality and style who enjoyed life thoroughly - whether sewing and cooking for her family, playing cards or Rummy Cube, traveling on day trips with friends, or simply engaging in good conversation with all who knew her.
Jeanne Bancroft was a cherished wife, a gentle, loving mother and grandmother, and a good, loyal friend to many who knew her. She will be greatly missed by all of her family, she has now left behind, and by all who were privileged to be called her friend.
May she rest now in peace for all eternity until we meet again.
Her Funeral will be held on Thursday, March 12th at 9 AM from the Saunders-Dwyer Home for Funerals, 495 Park St., New Bedford, followed by her Funeral Mass at Holy Name of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Church at _10 AM. Burial will follow in St. Mary's Cemetery. Visiting hours will be on Wednesday, March 11th fron 4-7 PM. In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to Southcoast Hospice 200 Mill Rd., Fairhaven, MA 02719 or Holy Name Ladies Guild 121 Mount Pleasant St. New Bedford, MA 02740. For directions and guestbook, visit www.saundersdwyer.com.
She was the wife of the late William Bancroft, with whom she shared 51 years of marriage.
Born on February 2, 1934 in New Bedford, daughter of the late Marshall C. and Eva A. (Chicoine) Sadeck, she resided there in the city until moving to Mattapoisett in 1974 and residing there for many years.
She was the loving mother of 5 children, Colleen Gordon and her husband Herbert of Fairhaven and New Bedford, Kathleen Tavares and her husband Anthony of Stuart, FL, Debra Kershaw and her husband John of Maui, HI and Joyce Lavoie and her husband Regis of Mattapoisett. She was the mother of the late Daniel Bancroft. She is also survived by her daughter-in-law, Cheryl Bancroft of Oviedo, FL; 15 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren (with another on the way) which she loved and cherished throughout her life.
She was a faithful and active parishioner of Holy Name of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Church in New Bedford for 74 years, and served actively there in many capacities. She was a long-time member of the Holy Name Couples Club for many years, serving on many committees to facilitate dances, dinners, raffles, and bazaars to raise funds to support the parish. She was also a member of the Holy Name Ladies Guild for many years as well.
A long-time member of the Holy Name Church choir, along with her husband, she contributed her beautiful soprano voice to every Sunday Mass and at various other parish events.
For most of her adult life she was a charter member of the Greater New Bedford Garden Club, adding botanical beauty to various historical sites and venues throughout the city.
In later years, she enjoyed traveling throughout many beautiful parts of Europe including Switzerland, Rome, Milan, Florence and Venice, Italy as well as various parts of our own country with her husband as well.
Jeanne was known to have a sparkling, engaging personality and style who enjoyed life thoroughly - whether sewing and cooking for her family, playing cards or Rummy Cube, traveling on day trips with friends, or simply engaging in good conversation with all who knew her.
Jeanne Bancroft was a cherished wife, a gentle, loving mother and grandmother, and a good, loyal friend to many who knew her. She will be greatly missed by all of her family, she has now left behind, and by all who were privileged to be called her friend.
May she rest now in peace for all eternity until we meet again.
Her Funeral will be held on Thursday, March 12th at 9 AM from the Saunders-Dwyer Home for Funerals, 495 Park St., New Bedford, followed by her Funeral Mass at Holy Name of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Church at _10 AM. Burial will follow in St. Mary's Cemetery. Visiting hours will be on Wednesday, March 11th fron 4-7 PM. In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to Southcoast Hospice 200 Mill Rd., Fairhaven, MA 02719 or Holy Name Ladies Guild 121 Mount Pleasant St. New Bedford, MA 02740. For directions and guestbook, visit www.saundersdwyer.com.
DEATH
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Jennifer (Andresen) Cipriano
Feb 26, 2026 |
Jennifer (Andresen) Cipriano, 76, of Marion passed away on February 26, 2026, after a brief illness. She was the beloved wife of the late Patrick Cipriano with whom she spent 37 wonderful years. He was the love of her life.
Born in Medford, MA, to the late Robert and Florence (Hartley) Andresen. She lived most of her life in Marion.
Jennifer graduated from Old Rochester Regional High School in 1967 and University of Massachusetts at Dartmouth, formerly Southeastern Massachusetts University, in 1972 with a degree in fine arts. Jennifer was very talented within the arts. She worked in various art related positions such as a textile transfer artist in New Bedford, retail advertising artist for a large chain of stores in Newport News, Virginia, and was a freelance scrimshander for nine years with her work being sold worldwide. Jennifer moved on to have a career in customer operations and retired from Ocean Spray Cranberries, Inc after 25 years of service.
After retirement, Jennifer continued her passion for art by participating in various art associations and shows. She sold many paintings, was commissioned to create a one-of-a-kind painting for a client and worked with many different mediums in her paintings. Jennifer also had a wonderful life spending time with her husband, their close friends and family. The beach was a special place for Jennifer to spend time with close friends and celebrate nature. Jennifer's other passion, photography, resurfaced during this time motivating her to take pictures of nature and then create beautiful oil paintings.
Jennifer is survived by a son, Christopher Cipriano of New Bedford, a daughter, Leisha (Cipriano) O'Brien and her husband, Neal, of New Bedford, and several cousins, nieces, and nephews.
Jennifer's visitation will be held from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm on Friday, March 13, 2026, at Chapman Funerals & Cremations - Wareham, 2599 Cranberry Hwy. Her funeral service will follow at 1:00 pm at the funeral home. Burial will be at the Massachusetts National Cemetery in Bourne.
Born in Medford, MA, to the late Robert and Florence (Hartley) Andresen. She lived most of her life in Marion.
Jennifer graduated from Old Rochester Regional High School in 1967 and University of Massachusetts at Dartmouth, formerly Southeastern Massachusetts University, in 1972 with a degree in fine arts. Jennifer was very talented within the arts. She worked in various art related positions such as a textile transfer artist in New Bedford, retail advertising artist for a large chain of stores in Newport News, Virginia, and was a freelance scrimshander for nine years with her work being sold worldwide. Jennifer moved on to have a career in customer operations and retired from Ocean Spray Cranberries, Inc after 25 years of service.
After retirement, Jennifer continued her passion for art by participating in various art associations and shows. She sold many paintings, was commissioned to create a one-of-a-kind painting for a client and worked with many different mediums in her paintings. Jennifer also had a wonderful life spending time with her husband, their close friends and family. The beach was a special place for Jennifer to spend time with close friends and celebrate nature. Jennifer's other passion, photography, resurfaced during this time motivating her to take pictures of nature and then create beautiful oil paintings.
Jennifer is survived by a son, Christopher Cipriano of New Bedford, a daughter, Leisha (Cipriano) O'Brien and her husband, Neal, of New Bedford, and several cousins, nieces, and nephews.
Jennifer's visitation will be held from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm on Friday, March 13, 2026, at Chapman Funerals & Cremations - Wareham, 2599 Cranberry Hwy. Her funeral service will follow at 1:00 pm at the funeral home. Burial will be at the Massachusetts National Cemetery in Bourne.
DEATH
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Peter Alexander Borsari
Feb 24, 2026 |
Peter Alexander Borsari, 82, of Marion, passed away February 24, 2026, at home. He was the husband of Marjorie (Parker) Borsari and the son of the late Leopoldo "Paul" and Mary (Gubellini) Borsari.
He was born and grew up in Wareham before moving to Marion in 1970. Mr. Borsari graduated from Wareham High School, class of 1961. He attended Franklin Institute of Technology.
Mr. Borsari worked as a sales engineer for Instron Corporation for most of his career before retiring in 2006 at the age of 62. His "second career" was working as an assistant harbormaster for the Town of Marion and as a fulltime substitute teacher at Wareham High School. Having traveled all around the world for his career, his favorite commute was taking his skiff from Marion's Old Landing to the Town Wharf for work at the Harbormaster's office. He loved the ocean and taught us many lessons such as "bluefish bite," "just be nice," and "lets poke the nose out the harbor and see where it takes us," which usually meant the Chart Room.
Pete was affectionately known by family as "MacGyver" because of his ability to fix and repair most anything. He was accomplished at chair caning and had several projects in his basement that were in progress. Pete loved football! Coaching Pop Warner Football for the Wareham Tigers and Old Rochester Bulldogs helping build multiple championship teams. He loved animals and had rescued many stray cats and dogs over the years. Most of all, he loved his family. Gathering and celebrating. His Quahog Fests were legendary and Wednesday Pasta nights were a weekly tradition for years. Pete had an unforgettable smile but most of all, Pete was just a really good guy!
Lovingly remembered by his wife of 62 years, Marjorie (Parker) Borsari; his children, Peter Borsari and his wife, Kristen of Rochester and Lisa Allman and her husband, Ron of Needham; the grandchildren he was so proud of, Nickolas Borsari, Jonathan Borsari and Emily Allman; nephews and nieces and his beloved cat, Lily.
Visiting hours are from 4 to 6 pm on Thursday, March 5, 2026, at Chapman Funerals & Cremations - Wareham, 2599 Cranberry Hwy., Wareham.
He was born and grew up in Wareham before moving to Marion in 1970. Mr. Borsari graduated from Wareham High School, class of 1961. He attended Franklin Institute of Technology.
Mr. Borsari worked as a sales engineer for Instron Corporation for most of his career before retiring in 2006 at the age of 62. His "second career" was working as an assistant harbormaster for the Town of Marion and as a fulltime substitute teacher at Wareham High School. Having traveled all around the world for his career, his favorite commute was taking his skiff from Marion's Old Landing to the Town Wharf for work at the Harbormaster's office. He loved the ocean and taught us many lessons such as "bluefish bite," "just be nice," and "lets poke the nose out the harbor and see where it takes us," which usually meant the Chart Room.
Pete was affectionately known by family as "MacGyver" because of his ability to fix and repair most anything. He was accomplished at chair caning and had several projects in his basement that were in progress. Pete loved football! Coaching Pop Warner Football for the Wareham Tigers and Old Rochester Bulldogs helping build multiple championship teams. He loved animals and had rescued many stray cats and dogs over the years. Most of all, he loved his family. Gathering and celebrating. His Quahog Fests were legendary and Wednesday Pasta nights were a weekly tradition for years. Pete had an unforgettable smile but most of all, Pete was just a really good guy!
Lovingly remembered by his wife of 62 years, Marjorie (Parker) Borsari; his children, Peter Borsari and his wife, Kristen of Rochester and Lisa Allman and her husband, Ron of Needham; the grandchildren he was so proud of, Nickolas Borsari, Jonathan Borsari and Emily Allman; nephews and nieces and his beloved cat, Lily.
Visiting hours are from 4 to 6 pm on Thursday, March 5, 2026, at Chapman Funerals & Cremations - Wareham, 2599 Cranberry Hwy., Wareham.
DEATH
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Sung Bok Kim
Feb 23, 2026 |
Sung Bok Kim, of Mattapoisett, born September 1932 passed away on February 23. He retired to Mattapoisett in 2013 after a 40 year career at the State University of New York at Albany where he was a Distinguished Service Professor of History. During his years there he taught, was Department Chair and Dean of Undergraduate Studies. He was the recipient of several Chancellor's Awards for both teaching and scholarship. He also was named a Collins Fellow, an award which recognizes faculty who over a sustained period have shown extraordinary devotion to the University and the people in it.
Sung Bok came to the United States from South Korea in 1960 and began graduate studies at the University of Wisconsin. He then went to Michigan State University where he received a PhD.
American International College was his first teaching position. From there he moved to Williamsburg, Va, as a post-doctoral fellow at the Omohundro Institute sponsored by Colonial Williamsburg. Simultaneously he taught in the History Department at The College of William and Mary. His next move was to The University of Illinois.
During that period he published a book, Landlords and Tenants in Colonial New York, which dealt with the NY Manorial system. His final academic move was to Albany where he spent the rest of his career working on a book about the American Revolution.
While living in Mattapoisett he continued to write and very much enjoyed coastal living as it reminded him of where he grew up. He loved this area. He leaves his wife of 61 years, Leda; a daughter, Briana of Schoharie, NY; and twin sons, Cortland (wife Tia) and Blakeley of San Francisco, CA.
In addition to his overwhelming passion for American history, he enjoyed watching lacrosse especially when his sons were playing. He also adored the numerous Bouvier des Flandres dogs that shared his home over the years.
Arrangements are by the Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home For Funerals and will be private. For online guestbook, visit www.saundersdwyer.com.
Sung Bok came to the United States from South Korea in 1960 and began graduate studies at the University of Wisconsin. He then went to Michigan State University where he received a PhD.
American International College was his first teaching position. From there he moved to Williamsburg, Va, as a post-doctoral fellow at the Omohundro Institute sponsored by Colonial Williamsburg. Simultaneously he taught in the History Department at The College of William and Mary. His next move was to The University of Illinois.
During that period he published a book, Landlords and Tenants in Colonial New York, which dealt with the NY Manorial system. His final academic move was to Albany where he spent the rest of his career working on a book about the American Revolution.
While living in Mattapoisett he continued to write and very much enjoyed coastal living as it reminded him of where he grew up. He loved this area. He leaves his wife of 61 years, Leda; a daughter, Briana of Schoharie, NY; and twin sons, Cortland (wife Tia) and Blakeley of San Francisco, CA.
In addition to his overwhelming passion for American history, he enjoyed watching lacrosse especially when his sons were playing. He also adored the numerous Bouvier des Flandres dogs that shared his home over the years.
Arrangements are by the Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home For Funerals and will be private. For online guestbook, visit www.saundersdwyer.com.
DEATH
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Elizabeth A. (Jaillet) Dawson
Feb 21, 2026 |
Elizabeth A. (Jaillet) Dawson, 85, of Mattapoisett, formerly of Boxford died February 21, 2026 peacefully at Tobey Hospital surrounded by her family.
She was the wife of the late John Dawson, with whom she shared 56 years of marriage.
Born and raised in Lowell, daughter of the late Henry and Elizabeth (Tumelty) Jaillet, Elizabeth and John married in 1963 and made their home in Manchester, Connecticut. They relocated to Saugus and eventually settled in Boxford to raise their six children before retiring to Mattapoisett. Elizabeth was a graduate of St. Elizabeth's School of Nursing. She worked as a registered nurse at St. Elizabeth's Hospital, Lawrence General Hospital, Hunt Hospital and Union Hospital. In retirement, she traveled with her husband John, spent countless hours with her grandchildren, and volunteered her time as a long-term care ombudsman, a hospice aide, with St. Vincent de Paul, and Nativity Preparatory School.
Elizabeth was a devoted communicant and choir singer at St. Anthony's in Mattapoisett. She loved having coffee with friends, spending days on the beach with her grandchildren, attending Boston Symphony Orchestra concerts, and engaging with her community. She will be remembered for her consistent devotion to family before herself.
Survivors include her six children, Anne O'Leary and her husband Kenneth of Medfield, Sheila Geiger and her husband Robert of Reading, John Dawson and his wife Michele of Beverly, Maureen DiNapoli and her husband Richard of Harvard, Michael Dawson and his wife Jennifer of Sherwood, OR and Kevin Dawson and his wife Laura of East Greenwich, RI; 13 grandchildren, Caleigh and Stephen O'Leary, Jessica Echerarria and her husband Joseph, Molly and Jack Geiger, Henry, Peter and Curtis DiNapoli, Andrew and Brian Dawson, Micah, Maeve and Eliza Dawson; and several nieces and nephews.
She was predeceased by her grandson Daniel O'Leary and sister Lorraine Barry.
Her visiting hour will be held on Saturday, February 28th from 8 - 9 AM in the Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home for Funerals, 50 County Rd. (Rt. 6), Mattapoisett followed by her Funeral Mass at 9:30 AM in St. Anthony's Church. Burial will follow in St. Anthony's Cemetery. For online guestbook, visit www.saundersdwyer.com.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Dana Farber Cancer Institute.
She was the wife of the late John Dawson, with whom she shared 56 years of marriage.
Born and raised in Lowell, daughter of the late Henry and Elizabeth (Tumelty) Jaillet, Elizabeth and John married in 1963 and made their home in Manchester, Connecticut. They relocated to Saugus and eventually settled in Boxford to raise their six children before retiring to Mattapoisett. Elizabeth was a graduate of St. Elizabeth's School of Nursing. She worked as a registered nurse at St. Elizabeth's Hospital, Lawrence General Hospital, Hunt Hospital and Union Hospital. In retirement, she traveled with her husband John, spent countless hours with her grandchildren, and volunteered her time as a long-term care ombudsman, a hospice aide, with St. Vincent de Paul, and Nativity Preparatory School.
Elizabeth was a devoted communicant and choir singer at St. Anthony's in Mattapoisett. She loved having coffee with friends, spending days on the beach with her grandchildren, attending Boston Symphony Orchestra concerts, and engaging with her community. She will be remembered for her consistent devotion to family before herself.
Survivors include her six children, Anne O'Leary and her husband Kenneth of Medfield, Sheila Geiger and her husband Robert of Reading, John Dawson and his wife Michele of Beverly, Maureen DiNapoli and her husband Richard of Harvard, Michael Dawson and his wife Jennifer of Sherwood, OR and Kevin Dawson and his wife Laura of East Greenwich, RI; 13 grandchildren, Caleigh and Stephen O'Leary, Jessica Echerarria and her husband Joseph, Molly and Jack Geiger, Henry, Peter and Curtis DiNapoli, Andrew and Brian Dawson, Micah, Maeve and Eliza Dawson; and several nieces and nephews.
She was predeceased by her grandson Daniel O'Leary and sister Lorraine Barry.
Her visiting hour will be held on Saturday, February 28th from 8 - 9 AM in the Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home for Funerals, 50 County Rd. (Rt. 6), Mattapoisett followed by her Funeral Mass at 9:30 AM in St. Anthony's Church. Burial will follow in St. Anthony's Cemetery. For online guestbook, visit www.saundersdwyer.com.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Dana Farber Cancer Institute.