Shirley (Arruda) Ponsart, 81, formerly of Rochester, passed away Thursday, September 1, 2016, at the Royal of Fairhaven where she had been a resident for the past three years. She was the wife of 62 years, of Arthur Ponsart.
Born and raised in New Bedford, the daughter of the late Charles and Mary (Andre) Arruda, she lived in Fairhaven prior to settling in Rochester in 1972 where she was the owner/operator of the Me-Don Kennel. Shirley raised and bred Bassett Hound and Boxer show dog’s and was a member of the Basset Hound Club of America.
She is survived by her husband Arthur of Fairhaven; a daughter, Donna Marie Gillum and her husband Steve of Fairhaven; a granddaughter, Jennifer Gillum of Cambridge; and several nieces and nephews. Shirley was the sister of the late Charles Arruda, Jr., Frank and William Arruda, Mabel Pragana and Dolores St.Germaine.
Her family would like to thank the staff of the Royal, Hospice and everyone at the Fairhaven Supportive Senior Social Day Program for the wonderful care provided to Shirley over the years.
Calling hours are Monday, from 4-7pm, in the Fairhaven Funeral Home, 117 Main Street, Fairhaven. Her funeral service will be Tuesday, September 6, 2016, at 10:00am, in the funeral home followed by interment in River-Side Cemetery, Fairhaven.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Fairhaven Supportive Senior Social Day Program, 229 Huttleston Ave., Fairhaven, MA 02719.
