Leonard F. "Lenny" Dutra, Jr., 67, of Fairhaven passed away Sunday, December 28, 2014, at home after a long illness. He was the husband of 37 years, of Martha A. (Kenney) Dutra. Born and raised in Acushnet, the son of the late Leonard F. and Margery (Kenyon) Dutra, he lived in Fairhaven and Marion most of his life. Lenny served in the Army during the Vietnam War and was discharged as a Drill Sergeant in September of 1972. After the service, Lenny worked as a Call Fireman in Fairhaven and a Police Officer in Mattapoisett. He was also a SCUBA Diver and instructor in Fairhaven and a member of the Fish Lumper’s Union. He was a member of the George H. Taber Masonic Lodge AF & AM and an avid Patriots fan. He loved spending time with his family especially with his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. He is survived by his wife; a son, Jeffrey S. Dutra and his wife Caitlin of New Bedford; four daughters, Tammy Caravana and her husband Brian of Dartmouth, Debby Tavares of New Bedford, Christel Schuster and her husband Scott of Franklin, NH and Carolyn “Carrie” Normand and her husband Paul of W. Wareham; a brother Thomas Dutra of Mattapoisett; a sister, Diana Dean of New Bedford; 10 grandchildren; five great grandchildren; and several nieces, nephews and cousins. Mr. Dutra was the brother of the late Michael Dutra. Calling hours were held on Friday, January 2, 2015 in the Fairhaven Funeral Home, 117 Main Street, Fairhaven. A reception followed the visitation. He was cremated and interment in the Massachusetts National Cemetery in Bourne was private. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, 150 Cambridge Park Dr., Suite 202, Cambridge, MA 02140.

Ellen F. (Heuberger) Downing, 96, of Mattapoisett died Sunday January 18, 2015 at Our Lady's Haven. She was the wife of the late Harry B. Downing. Born in New Bedford, the daughter of the late Helmuth and Ellen (Fowler) Heuberger, she lived in Mattapoisett all of her life. Mrs. Downing was a member of the Mattapoisett Congregational Church. She enjoyed bowling, playing cards, doing puzzles, and hosting family get-togethers at her home. She was a frequent visitor at the Mattapoisett Town Wharf. Survivors include two sons, Harry B. Downing, Jr. of Wareham and David Downing and his wife Mary of Mattapoisett; a daughter, Nancy Fletcher and her husband Frank of Mattapoisett; seven grandchildren, Thomas and Stephen Fletcher, Bethany Sundquist, Lisa Thorpe, Rebecca Sears, Alex and Andrew Downing; three great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. She was the mother of the late Ruth Sundquist and the sister of the late Ruth, Albert, William, Chester, Milton, and Helmuth Heuberger, Jr., Beryl Roylance, Gladys Ellis, and Ada Moss. Her Funeral Service was held on Wednesday January 21, 2015 at the Mattapoisett Congregational Church. Burial followed in Cushing Cemetery. Visiting hours were held on Tuesday January 20, 2015 at the Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home For Funerals, 50 County Rd., Route 6, Mattapoisett. In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to Our Lady's Haven, 71 Center St., Fairhaven, MA 02719. For guestbook, please visit www.saundersdwyer.com.

Catherine (Sylvia) Souza, 99, formerly of Acushnet and Mattapoisett, passed away on Saturday, January 10, 2015 at Brandon Woods of New Bedford, where she had been a resident for the past 7 years. She was the wife of the late Antone P. Souza and daughter of the late Frank and Mary Sylvia of New Bedford. Catherine was a loving, kind and caring woman who enjoyed helping others. She loved the comforts of her home and cherished family gatherings. Most of all, she loved the time spent with her grandsons. Catherine's family would like to thank all of the staff and caregivers on the third floor at Brandon Woods and New England Hospice for their care and compassion through the years. Survivors include her daughter, Jacqueline Thomas and her husband Daniel of Mattapoisett; four grandsons, Dana Thomas and his significant other, Gloria of Putnam, CT, Matthew Thomas and his wife Silvia of Stoughton, Ethan Thomas of Fall River and Samuel W. Thomas and his wife Arabela of Andover; five great-grandsons, Daniel, Dale, Michael, Victor and Henry; and many nieces and nephews. She was the sister of the late Gilbert and John Sylvia and Louise Arruda. At her request, a private graveside service will be held at a later date. For online tributes please visit: www.rock-funeralhome.com

Gail Marie Shovlin, 44, of Mattapoisett died at home Friday January 9, 2015 after fiercely enduring breast cancer over the past five years. Gail was an eternal optimist who enjoyed life fully and spread her joy widely until just a few weeks before her death. She was the mother of Sophie Kathleen Bozzo, 6, and wife of Thomas Evron Bozzo. Born in south Jersey, the daughter of John Shovlin and the late Kathleen (Dunn) Shovlin, she was raised in the suburbs of Philadelphia. She attended Western New England College and finished her college work at Rider University. She worked for over ten years at Manulife/John Hancock in financial services as a manager and regional marketing director. She enjoyed politics, was a rabid Philadelphia sports fan, loved being active outdoors, and had a thirst for travel, adventure, and new experiences. She was a big believer in non-profit organizations and dedicated herself to the American Cancer Society’s Making Strides Against Breast Cancer cause over the past several years – as both a speaker and impressive fundraiser. Her greatest love and natural gift, however, was being a mother. She shared that enthusiasm with her daughter’s friends as a “room mom” at the Center School over the past two years. Survivors include her daughter; husband; father; brother Brian Shovlin; and five nieces. Visiting hours will be Saturday January 17, 2015 from 3 PM to 7 PM at the Saunders-Dwyer Home for Funerals, 50 County Road, Route 6, Mattapoisett. Her Funeral Mass will be at St. Anthony’s Church on Sunday January 18, 2015 at noon. In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to the Commonweal Cancer Help Program, P.O. Box 316, Bolinas, CA 94924 (415-868-0970; www.commonweal.org).

Elizabeth B. "Gram" Florindo, 96, of Rochester, passed away on Wednesday, January 7, 2015 at Tobey Hospital. She was the wife of the late Joseph Florindo. Born in Rochester, daughter of the late Edward and Melissa (Jenkins) Bowen, she had resided in Rochester for most of her life. After graduating from Wareham High School in 1936, she was then the first woman to attend Bristol County Agricultural School. Mrs. Florindo had worked as a telephone operator in Wareham and Middleboro for 20 years, retiring in 1983. She loved the town of Rochester and was a very active member of the Rochester Council on Aging and the Rochester Grange Hall. Gram cherished the time spent with her loving family, especially her great-grandchildren. Her family includes two daughters, Christine E. Florindo and Mary M. Bessey and her husband Edward; two grandchildren, Melissa A. Weigel and her husband Greg and Kelly Bertrand and her husband Rick; five great-grandchildren, Angela, Joseph and Owen Weigel, Daniel and Leah Bertrand all of Rochester; a special niece, Rebecca McAloney of Wareham; and many nieces and nephews. She was the grandmother of the late Paul F. Bessey and sister of the late Frances Florindo. Visitation was held on Saturday, January 10, 2015 with a Funeral Service in the Waring-Sullivan Home of Memorial Tribute at Fairlawn, 180 Washington St., Fairhaven. Burial followed in Rochester Center Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to the Rochester Council on Aging, 67 Dexter Lane, Rochester, MA 02770. For online tributes please visit: www.waring-sullivan.com

Lawrence Brown, 84, of Marion died January 6, 2015 at home after a long illness. He was the husband of Eleanor L. (Sylvia) Brown. Born and raised in New Bedford, the son of the late Frank and Emma D. (DeCouto) Brown, he lived in Marion since 1970. He was a communicant of St. Rita's Church. Mr Brown was formerly employed by Morse Twist Drill for many years and later was a realtor at Towne House Realty. He served in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War. The family would like to give a special thanks to the Southcoast Hospice Nurses and CNA's for their compassionate care, most especially to Michelle and Roseanne for their ongoing dedication and care. Survivors include his wife; 2 daughters, Dr. Suzanne Brown and her partner Barbara Brown of Ypsilanti, MI and Jeanne Brown and her partner Janine Clemente of Barre, MA; a son, Atty. Lawrence Brown, Jr. and his wife Kristen of Ft. Worth, TX; and 4 grandchildren, Aaron Brown, Jordan Brown, Alex Brown and Sydney Brown. His Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Thursday, January 15th at 10 AM in St. Rita's Church. Burial will follow in Evergreen Cemetery. Arrangements are with the Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home For Funerals, 50 County Rd. (Rt. 6) Mattapoisett. In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to Southcoast Hospice, 200 Mill Rd., Fairhaven, MA 02719 or the Alzheimer's Association, 480 Pleasant St., Watertown, MA 02472.

Robert J. Benjamin, 60, of Rochester died January 5, 2015 unexpectedly at home. He was the husband of Debra A. (Perry) Benjamin, with whom he shared 40 years of marriage. Born and raised in New Bedford, the son of Evelyn (Moniz) Benjamin of Dartmouth and the late Norman P. Benjamin, he lived in Rochester most of his life. He was formerly employed by Luzo Food Service for over 30 years. Mr. Benjamin enjoyed working in his yard, and feeding and watching birds. He had a passion for playing the guitar and enjoyed sharing that with family and friends. He also was a coach for his children's girl's softball and boy's baseball teams for many years. Survivors include his wife; his mother; 2 sons, Justin Benjamin and his fiancée Kellin Hunt of Fairhaven and Tyler Benjamin of Rochester; a daughter, Hope Sideleau and her husband Scott of Tiverton; a brother, Norman P. Benjamin, Jr. of Dartmouth; 2 aunts, Lucille Caron and Mary Roderick and her husband Fred; and several nieces and nephews. His visiting hours were held on Sunday in the Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home For Funerals, 50 County Rd. (Rt. 6) Mattapoisett. For guestbook, please www.saundersdwyer.com.

Dorothy M. (Lebherz) Hiller, 91, of Rochester passed away on January 5, 2015 at Tobey Hospital. She was the wife of Robert B. Hiller, II. Born in Cambridge, MA, the daughter of the late George H. and Mabel J. (Grant) Lebherz, Dorothy grew up, attended schools and worked as a dental hygienist in Worcester before marrying in 1953 and moving to East Over Farm in Rochester. She was a communicant of St. Gabriel's Episcopal Church in Marion. Dorothy was a survivor of the 1942 Boston Coconut Grove fire. Survivors include her husband of 61 years; a son, Robert B. Hiller, III and his wife Sandra; a brother, George H. Lebherz of Falmouth; 3 grandchildern, Tess E. Hedblom and her husband Erik, Paige M. Hiller and Jacob W. Hiller; a great-granddaughter, Sadie E. Hedblom; and several nieces and nephews. At her request, a private Graveside Service will be held at a later date. Arrangements are with the Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home for Funerals, 50 County Road, Route 6, Mattapoisett. In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to the Rochester Council on Aging Senior Center, 67 Dexter Lane, Rochester, MA 02770. For guestbook, please visit www.saundersdwyer.com.

Charles E. Westgate, Jr., 78, of Rochester, died Monday, January 5, 2015 at Sippican Healthcare Center in Marion. Born in New Bedford, he was the son of the late Velna (Brown) & Charles E. Westgate, Sr. Raised in Rochester, Mr. Westgate graduated from Wareham High School in 1954. Mr. Westgate worked for many years as a bus driver for Almeida Bus Lines in New Bedford and then for Bloom Transportation. Prior to his career as a bus driver, he was a chef for the Knotty Pine Restaurant in Wareham. A NASCAR race fan, Mr. Westgate was a fan of the late Dale Earnhardt, Sr. Survivors include his three sons, Stephen C. Westgate of Rochester, Daniel E. Westgate of Brockton and Dennis J. Westgate of Wareham; his daughter, Marcia E. Araujo of Sagamore Beach; his brothers, Bruce Westgate and Neil Westgate both of Wareham; his sisters, Betteanne Ala of Wareham and Marie Carey of Sandwich; 14 grandchildren and 26 great grandchildren. Relatives and friends were invited to visit at the Chapman, Cole & Gleason Funeral Home, 2599 Cranberry Highway (Rt. 28), Wareham on Sunday, January 11, 2015. Donation in his memory may be made to the Sippican Healthcare Center Activities Fund, 15 Mill St., Marion, MA 02738. For on-line guestbook visit: www.ccgfuneralhome.com

Warren Harding Bell, 88, of Mattapoisett passed away Monday, January 5, 2015, at home. He was the husband of Joan (Nash) Bell for 67 years. He also leaves two daughters, Lucinda Mary Lucey of Belchertown and Ardith Joan Bell-Bshara and her husband Mitchell “Mike” Bshara of West End, NC; a grandson, Zackaria Gomes Rezendes, Jr. and his wife Catherine and a great grandson, Zackaria Gomes Rezendes, III of Palmer. Warren in also survived by his younger brother David Arthur Bell, Jr. and his wife Rita and niece Jennifer “JD” Rich and her husband Ron all of Florida. Other survivors are two nephews, sons of Warren’s late twin brother, Wallace Houston Bell; Gregory Bell of Methuen and family and Wallace “Mannie” McMillan Bell of Peabody and family. Born in Lawrence on May 18, 1926, the son of David Arthur and Edith (Wilkinson) Bell, Warren grew up in Andover and lived in Boston before building the family home in Mattapoisett. He attended Phillips Academy in Andover before enlisting in WWII in the Army Air Corps as an Air Cadet and was discharged in 1945 as a Sergeant. He graduated from Northeastern University in Boston in 1951 with a BS in civil engineering and served the Commonwealth of MA for 38 years as a structural civil engineer. Warren was a man of many talents, interests and affiliations, especially in the McGregor Pipe Band of Quincy which played at the first Highland Games in NH and the Highland Light Pipe Band of Cape Cod and as Past Pipe Major of the Yankee Division Pipe Band of New Bedford. He was Past Commander of the Mattapoisett Power Squadron and a member of the Scottish-American Military Society among many other affiliations. In accordance with his wishes he will be cremated and a committal service will be held on May 18, 1015 at the Massachusetts National Cemetery in Bourne at 1:30pm. Arrangements are by the Fairhaven Funeral Home, 117 Main Street, Fairhaven. In lieu of flowers, please consider support for a worthy cause such as Community Nurse and Hospice or any no-kill animal shelter.