Helen E. Souza

New Bedford – Helen E. Souza passed away Monday, December 21, 2015 at The Oaks, with her family by her side. She was born in New Bedford, and was the youngest daughter of the late Joseph Souza and Mary (Rose) Souza, on August 31, 1929. She resided in the New Bedford area all of her life, living in Acushnet for over 30 years and raising her daughters in Fairhaven for many years.
She was a New Bedford High School graduate and attended continuing studies at Southeastern Massachusetts University. Helen worked in the lab and front office of the former Fibre Leather Manufacturing Company in New Bedford, MA for 46 years.
She enjoyed long talks with family and friends on the phone and loved walking the grounds of her country home in Acushnet. She greatly enjoyed family and holiday gatherings. Helen had an artistic knack for drawing, painting and photography and many of her talents remain as keepsakes.
She is survived by her daughter Paula A. Souza and her companion Peter H. Ricard of Fairhaven, MA; 2 granddaughters: Amy Carey and her companion Brandon Fowler of Wyoming, Michigan and Gina Alexander and her husband Ryan of North Dartmouth, MA as well as many nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews in Massachusetts and Illinois.
Helen was the mother of the late Doreen M. Jardin and was predeceased by her sisters Priscilla Abbot and Anna Openshaw as well as her former husband Paul C. Souza.
Her calling hours will be held Wednesday December 23, 2015 from 10 A.M. to 12 P.M. with a service to begin at 12 P.M. in the funeral home. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers donations may be made in her memory to The National Kidney Foundation Finance Department 30 East 33rd St. New York, NY 10016. Arrangements placed in the care of Perry Funeral Home, 111 Dartmouth St. in New Bedford, MA.