Elza T. Sousa

New Bedford - Elza Sousa Alves, age 96, of New Bedford, MA passed away peacefully at home on Wednesday, November 23, 2022. She was the widow of Teotonio Coelho Alves, the beloved mother of the late Maria da Cruz Alves and the daughter of the late Jose Antao Sousa and Herminia Teixeira Sousa. Elza was the sister of the late Helio T. Sousa, Maria Augusta Rocha, Juvenal Sousa and Herminia Cotta, and the aunt of the late Maria C. Furtado.

Born in Terceira, Azores she immigrated to New Bedford on August 8, 1967, with her mother, sisters, brother-in-law, nieces and nephews. She worked at Colonial Textile as a stitcher until 1972, and became her mother’s caregiver. Elza was a parishioner at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church. She enjoyed socializing on the phone with family and friends, sewing and crocheting. Elza was also known as ‘Madrinha’ to many loved ones who will miss her; she is survived by several nieces, nephews, great nieces, and great nephews.

Visiting hours and funeral services will be held on Wednesday, November 30, 2022. Visiting hours will take place from 8:00 A.M. - 9:30 A.M. at Perry Funeral Home and followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church at 10:00 A.M. Burial will immediately follow in St. Mary's Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her memory to Mount Carmel Church, 230 Bonney Street, New Bedford MA 02744 or Coastline Elderly at Coastlinenb.org

Funeral arrangements entrusted to Perry Funeral Home, 111 Dartmouth Street, New Bedford MA.