Business executive, concerned citizen

J. Prewitt Wehle of Tiverton passed away peacefully on Sunday, April 21, 2013, after a sudden illness.  Prewitt was born on August 23, 1926, in Louisville, Kentucky, the youngest child of Fred and Lydia (Prewitt) Wehle.

He is survived by his wife, Mary Morrison Wehle; his children, Lawton Wehle Fitt of New York City, Sarah Wehle of Milton, Mass., and Amy Morrison Wehle of Amherst, Mass.; and his three grandsons, James Prewitt Hays-Wehle, Henry Hays-Wehle, and Elliott Hays-Wehle.  He was a brother of the late Fred Wehle Jr. and the late Mary Anderson Seay.

Prewitt grew up in Louisville, Kentucky, and attended Louisville Male High School.  After service in the U.S. Navy, he earned a B.S. in electrical engineering from Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology in 1947, and an M.B.A. from the Harvard Business School in 1950.

He worked as an electrical engineer, project manager, program manager and finally vice-president, engineering, for several telecommunications companies including GTE-Sylvania and GTE-International in the Boston area and Reliance Comm/tech in Chicago.  In 1983-1984, he served as president of the U.S. Telecommunications Suppliers Association.  He was also a member of the Board of Trustees of the Thayer School of Engineering at Dartmouth College.

He and his wife bought a home in Tiverton in 1974 and, when Prewitt retired in 1991, he was delighted to settle there full-time.

Prewitt was active throughout his life in community activities.  In Tiverton, he served on the Harbor Commission, the Planning Board and the Comprehensive Town Plan Committee, and was an active participant in the Tiverton Land Trust fundraising committee.

An avid reader, particularly of history and biography, Prewitt enjoyed classical music, jazz and the works of Gilbert and Sullivan. Known to his grandchildren as the “E.P.” (Exalted Patriarch), he will be remembered for his sense of humor, quick wit, encyclopedic memory and especially for deep love of his family.

Arrangements for a memorial service will be made at a later date.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in his name to the Rhode Island Foundation, Tiverton Land Trust Fund,  One Union Station, Providence, RI 02903.

Fanny H. (Kresch) Perrone, 79, of Warren, died Sunday, April 16, 2013 at Rhode Island Hospital. She was the loving wife of Anthony J. Perrone for 54 years. The love they shared can never be duplicated.

Born in Brooklyn, N.Y., a daughter of the late Morty and Anna (Bergman) Kresch, she lived in New York before moving to Warren.

In addition to being a homemaker, Mrs. Perrone worked in the printing business and was employed by Keystone Printing until her retirement.

She leaves a son, Anthony W. Perrone and his wife Nicole of Fairport, N.Y.; a daughter, Donna J. Popovici of Middletown, R.I.; a sister, Bertha Kuhlman of Queens, N.Y.; five grandchildren, Michael, Jessica, Nicholas, Alexandra and Gregory; and many nieces and nephews. She was the sister of the late Bernard Kresch of Florida.

Arrangements were with Smith Funeral & Memorial Services, 8 Schoolhouse Road. Funeral services were held Friday, April 19, from the funeral home. Burial was in the North Burial Ground.

George T. Maynard, 75, of Sodom Road, Westport, husband of Rita (Thibodeau) Maynard, died Sunday, April 28, 2013.

He was employed by Colonial Wholesale Beverage, retiring from Local 59, International Brotherhood of Teamsters. An Army veteran of the Korean War, he was past commander of the James Morris Post 145 American Legion, Westport, and a Life Member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Tiverton.

Mr. Maynard was a volunteer cook at the Westport Council on Aging Annual Senior Picnic for many years. Members of the Pawtucket Red Sox “inner circle,” George and his wife accumulated an extensive collection of PawSox memorabilia.

Besides his wife of 50 years, he leaves a daughter, Susan Ann Maynard of Flagler Beach, Fla.; grandchildren, Jocelyn Barbosa (Jeffrey Pacheco) and Jennifer Medeiros (Shane) all of Fall River, and Rebecca and Bryan Crancha of Florida; a great-grandson, Jarrett Pacheco of Fall River; his son-in-law ,Jesse Barbosa (Linda) of Fall River; siblings, Claudia Beirola of Tiverton, and Agnes Leduc, and Raymond, Robert, and Richard Maynard, all of Fall River.

The father of the late Sandra Ann (Maynard) Barbosa and the late Stacy Ann Maynard, he was raised by his grandmother, the late Rose Elias Medeiros and was the son of the late Joseph and Mary (Medeiros) Maynard, and the brother of the late Lorraine Beland, Helen Mellor, and Joseph, David, Pearl and Edward Maynard.

His funeral will be held Friday at 9 a.m. from the Auclair Funeral Home, 690 South Main St., Fall River, with a funeral Mass in Our Lady of Grace Church, Westport, at 10 a.m. Burial, Beech Grove Cemetery.

Visitation is Thursday, 4 to 8 p.m. Large parking area and barrier-free entrance at rear of funeral home. Please omit flowers. Donations to Southcoast VNA, 200 Mill Rd., Fairhaven MA 02719 or Council on Aging, 75 Reed Rd., Westport MA 02790 appreciated. Online guest book at AuclairFuneralHome.com

Ronald M. Cruz, 71, of Bristol, died Monday, April 29, 2013, at Rhode Island Hospital, Providence, R.I.

Born in New Bedford, Mass. on June 18, 1941, he was the son of the late Manuel and Maria (Silvia) Cruz.

Mr. Cruz served in the United States Navy for 23 years before becoming a systems analyst. Mr. Cruz loved to do anything on the water, but especially enjoyed sailing. He was also a lifetime member of VFW.

Besides his wife of 23 years, he is survived by his sons, James Cruz, Robert Cruz and Peter Cruz all of New Hampshire; his brother, Michael Yorston of New Bedford, Mass.; and six grandchildren.

Calling hours will be held Thursday, May 2, 2013, from 4-7 p.m. in Connors Funeral Home, 55 West Main Road, Portsmouth, RI.

His funeral will be held Friday, May 3, 2013, at 9 a.m. from the funeral home, followed by a Mass of Christian burial at 10 a.m. in St. Barnabas Church, 1697 East Main Road, Portsmouth.

Burial will be in Newport Memorial Park, Vaucluse Avenue, Middletown.

Donations in his memory may be made to PVA, New England Chapter, 1600 Providence Hwy, Suite 143, Walpole, MA 02081. Additional information available at www.memorialfuneralhome.com.

Attilio A. “Teet” Topazio, 90, of Bristol, died peacefully on Monday, April 29, 2013, at Cortland Place in Greenville, surrounded by his loving children. He was the former husband of the late Leonora (Saccoccia) Topazio and Linda Congdon-Marr of Brooklyn, Conn.

Born in Bristol and a resident for many years, he was a son of the late Enrico and Angelina (Pacelli) Topazio. He served as a technician 4th grade in the US Army during World War II. He was stationed in Oakridge, Tenn. and was part of the team that made the atomic bomb.

He received multiple Masters degrees from the University of Rhode Island and was a high school teacher of physics, chemistry and math for many years at South Kingstown High School, Evanston East High School and Warwick Veterans High School. He also taught on the staff of Louisiana State University and finally ended his career with the Vision Quest Program, teaching on a wagon train out west. In 1993, after more than 50 years as an educator, he retired.

Mr. Topazio coached football, baseball and basketball at high schools where he taught, and umpired, officiated and refereed baseball, basketball and football from pee-wee through college level. Teet was actively involved with sports his whole life and officiated until the age of 82. He also played for many years as a catcher for amateur baseball league teams.  He was inducted into the Bristol Athletic Hall of Fame in 1984.

He was also well known for the beautiful music he made with his harmonica and spoons and his incredible artistic ability, especially with caricatures. Best known to his kids as the traveling man, he had a full life and wherever he may have rested his head and lived, Bristol was always his home.

Mr. Topazio leaves five children, Stephen Topazio and his wife Beth of Tiverton, Daniel Topazio and his girlfriend Nicole of Warren, Jessica DiCostanzo and her husband Don of Woodstock, Conn., Tanya Topazio of Stateville, N.C. and Taryn Novotny and her husband Andrew of Brooklyn, Conn.; two grandchildren, Melissa Jendzejec-Blanchard and her husband Gregory Blanchard, and Dezo Novotny; two great-grandsons, Zachary and Joshua Blanchard; and a brother, William “Gut” Topazio of Huntington, Long Island, N.Y.

He was a brother of the late Edmund, Angelo and Mary Calandra, Michael, Frank, Arturo “Tut” Topazio, Rachel Ouellette, Enes Kennelly and Gemma Murphy.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial Monday, May 6, 2013 at 10 a.m. in Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, 141 State St., Bristol. Burial with Military Honors will follow in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Chestnut Street, Bristol. Visiting hours are respectfully omitted.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758517, Topeka, Kansas  66675 or online at www.woundedwarriorproject.org. For online condolences, shared memories, information and directions go to www.sansonefuneralhome.com.

John M. Brandao, 90, of Milford Street passed away on Sunday, May 5th at Silver Creek Manor surrounded by his loving family. He was the husband of the late DeoLinda (Borges) Brandao, his wife of 57 years.

Born in Provacao, St. Michael, Azores he was the son of Augustine M. and Maria Trindade (Borges) Brandao.  He arrived in the United States in 1956 and lived in Bristol for the rest of his life.  John was a very active parishioner of St. Elizabeth Church attending all church activities including the Santo Christo and Holy Ghost celebrations.  He was employed by Ceaser Brito Construction and Converse Manufacturing for 30 years until his retirement.  John enjoyed taking care of his yard and garden; making wine from the grapes on the vines in his yard and tending for his prized possession his large tropical fig tree.

He leaves a son John Brando and his wife Lee Ann Brando; two grandsons Christopher Brando of Tiverton and John Anthony Brando and his wife Valerie Brando of Bristol; three great granddaughters Adrian, Isabella and Abigale Brando and a sister Maria C. Guadalupe and her husband Fred of Charleston South Carolina.  He was the brother of the late Antonio, Joseph and Luis Brandao, Efrosina Medeiros and Zelia Rodrigues.

Funeral services will be held Friday, May 10, 2013 at 10 a.m. from the George Lima Funeral Home 367 High St. with a Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. at St. Elizabeth Church 577 Wood St. Burial will follow in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Bristol. Calling hours are Thursday, May 9 from 4 to 8 p.m. www.limafh.com

Kim C. Benjamin, 58, of Cedar Avenue, Portsmouth, passed away on Sunday, May 5, 2013 at Newport Hospital. He was the loving husband for 20 years of Pamela J. (Costa) Benjamin. Born in Providence, he was the devoted son of the late Margaret “Margo” (Zoragian) Benjamin.

A graduate of Hope High School in Providence and URI in Kingston, Kim was an acoustic engineer having worked at Raytheon, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute and U.S. Navy NUWC Newport. He was a member of the Acoustical Society of America and the Institute of Electrical & Electronics Engineers.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a funeral service on Thursday, May 9, at 11 a.m. in Sts. Vartanantz Armenian Apostolic Church, 402 Broadway, Providence.

Inurnment at North Burial Ground Cemetery in Providence will take place at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: American Cancer Society, 931 Jefferson Boulevard, Suite 3004, Warwick, RI 02886.

Visit www.nardolillo.com for information and online condolences.

Driver during London Blitz, leader in travel industry

Elizabeth Anne Hill (nee Papillon) of Westport died March 29, 2013 at 92 years old. She attended Battle Abbey School, Sussex, England and Queens College in London. She also studied in Vienna, Austria, during the beginning of the Nazi occupation of that country, witnessed Hitler delivering an intimidating speech as well as the constant oppression of the SS troops.

Upon her return to England, and before the beginning of the Second World War, she married Royal Air Force pilot, Flt. Lt. Stephen Hankey, later moving to Paris in order to be close to her husband’s squadron which was stationed in northern France. As the Nazis were invading, and with the British Embassy evacuated, Elizabeth with her daughter Anne, managed to narrowly escape with the help of a White Russian friend who arranged for them to be secretly flown out of an airfield in a small plane back to England.

During the Blitz in London, she volunteered as a driver for the Mechanized Transport Corps. Her knowledge of London was needed since all the street signs had been removed in order to hinder the Germans if they successfully invaded England. First she drove delivery trucks, which were prime bombing targets; later British and American officers. Eleanor Roosevelt, always dressed in her Red Cross uniform, was Elizabeth’s absolute favorite to drive because of the First Lady’s determination to help others with genuine caring, immense energy and sincere kindness.

In 1943 her husband Stephen was killed when flying back to England from one of his many top secret missions transporting allied spies in and out of France. In 1944 she married Denis Wellesley, Viscount Dangan and became Viscountess Dangan but they eventually separated, and she then immigrated to the United States with her three children Anne, Caroline and Richard.

Elizabeth entered her prolific career in the travel industry working for KLM Royal Dutch Airlines in New York, shortly after moving to Boston to become the assistant manager of the New England area. In 1953 she married Freeman Hill. In 1954 Elizabeth founded and was president of Esplanade Travel in Boston.  She traveled to more than 100 countries exploring, leading tours to new archeological discoveries, places often very much off the beaten path, accompanied by renowned professors in their respective fields for such institutions as the Harvard University Peabody Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology, Harvard Alumni Continuing Education, The New York Public Library, American Museum of Natural History, Massachusetts General Hospital, International Institute, and Women’s City Club Of Boston. Using her British contacts, Esplanade became the exclusive sales agent for Swans Hellenic Tours in the United States. Elizabeth, a specialist in world travel was often invited as the guest of foreign governments to learn more about their countries and promote tourism.

Whether she was being written up in Who’s Who of American Women or in the newspaper as one of the best dressed women in Boston, adventurously leading ski tours in Europe, Chile, or Australia, or trips for museums, she was fearless, always on the go and constantly learning. After selling Esplanade Travel in 1981 she became Vice President at Hartours Travel, where she once again used her British travel contacts and secured the right to be the exclusive sales agent for Serenissima Travel Ltd. in the US, continuing to arrange and conduct tours to such places as China, East Africa, the Hindu Kush and Russia.

Elizabeth and her family lived between Boston and Bermuda for over 30 years. She adored the British island and was very active with the Bermuda National Trust, serving on the public relations committee for many years. Finally, she moved to Westport where she resided for over 25 years. Upon moving to Westport, she began a new profession working in real estate for Doris Matthews and later American Classic Real Estate. She loved living in Westport as it reminded her of her native Sussex.

Elizabeth was born in her family home, Crowhurst Park, Battle, Sussex, England which had been in the family since 1412 when Henry IV granted the estate to Sir John Pelham. She will be returning home to be buried with her many generations of family at St. George’s Church, Crowhurst, Sussex, England.

She is survived by her three daughters:  Stephanie Anne Griswold of Westport, Caroline and her husband, Lawrence Huntington of New York, NY, and Westport, and Georgiana and her husband, John Becker of Weston, Mass., and stepsons Freeman W. Hill Jr. of Westport, Curtis Hill of Portsmouth, RI., and Andrew Hill of Newton, Mass..  “Grannie” will also be greatly missed by her 11grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren.  She was predeceased by her husbands:  Freeman Winslow Hill, Denis Wellesley, 5^th Earl Cowley, Flt Lt. Stephen Hankey, her son Richard Francis Wellesley, 6^th Earl Cowley and her stepson David Hill.

A Memorial Service will be held this summer in Westport.

Arrangements are  under the direction of the Potter Funeral Home, Westport.

To sign the online guestbook, please visit www.potterfuneralservice,com.

Talented pattern maker, chef, gardener

Graziella (Muscolino) Torre, 77 of Westport,  passed away on Saturday, May 4, 2013 after a battle with cancer.  She was the wife of Giovanni Torre of Westport.

Graziella “Grace” was born in Pola, Italy on August 4, 1935, and was the daughter of Amalia Boliun and Giuseppe Muscolino.  Her dream of coming to America materialized after growing up in Sicily during the second World War when US troops liberated Italy.

She raised her family in Queens and Nassau County, New York, and later in Westport.

Grace was an avid home chef and gardener, growing the family’s fruits and vegetables in the back yard.  She was schooled in pattern making and worked for some of the world’s best known clothiers.  Graziella had “mani d’oro” – golden hands, because she could make anything from nothing, whether it be a fine meal or an elegant gown.

Along with her husband Giovanni of Westport, she is survived by her daughter Lucy R. Tabit and her husband Richard of Westport; her son Anthony Joseph “Joe” Torre of Westport; and four grandchildren, Hana Tabit, Wyatt Torre, Marcus Torre and Isabella Torre.

Memorial visitation to which relatives and friends are invited will be Friday May 10, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Potter Funeral Home, 81 Reed Road, Westport.

A Memorial Mass to which relatives and friends are invited will be held on Sunday May 12,  at 11 a.m. at Saint John the Baptist Church, 945 Main Road Westport.

Interment will be private.

For directions or to sign the online guestbook please visit www.potterfuneralservice.com.

Lucille L. (Schattel) Krawczyk, 85, died unexpectedly Friday, May 3, 2013 at the Newton Wellesley Hospital in Newton, Mass.  She was the wife of the late Capt. Edward C. Krawczyk, USAF.

Born in Three Rivers, Texas, Lucy was raised and educated in Texas.  She was a longtime resident of Riverside and has been a resident of Stoughton, Mass., living with her daughter Janet, for the past eight years.

After raising her family, Lucy worked as a secretary for several businesses, including Slepkow & Slepkow in Riverside.  She retired many years ago.  Lucy was a Gold Star Wife, a longtime communicant of St. Brendan’s Church in Riverside and was a member of their church choir for many years.

Lucy was the sweetest person one could ever know. Though she lived in New England most of her life her heart was always with Texas. Lucy’s life with her husband Edward was cut short by the Vietnam War. On May 5, 1968 Capt. Edward C. Krawczyk was killed in Vietnam.

Lucy raised her five children, worked and managed the household and found time to sew clothing, crotchet, garden, read, travel and sing in the church choir.  Lucy’s courage, strength and commitment to her children is something that will never be forgotten. In 2005 Lucy was diagnosed with Alzheimers Disease and though she slowly lost her memory she retained her kindness, sense of humor, joy in singing and enjoyment of her 16 grandchildren.

Lucy is survived by her children, David J. and Donald E. Krawczyk both of New Bedford, MA, Paul H. Krawczyk and his wife Kathryn Tarleton of Rochester, Mass., Karen J. Krawczyk and her husband Jeffrey B. Beard of Greenfield, Mass., and Janet T. Krawczyk-Medina and her husband Jaime, with whom she lived, of Stoughton, Mass.  She was the grandmother of Lucie, Julia, Sybil, India and Edward Krawczyk, Andrew Blais, and Jamie, Charlotte, Joshua, Jacob, Hannah, Gabrielle, Rebekah, Matthew, Jonathan and Andrew Medina.  She was the sister of the late Antone Schattel.  Lucy is also survived by several nieces; Barbara Krawczyk, Nancy Priory and her nephews Henry, Thomas and Joseph Krawczyk and her sister in law Barbara F. Krawczyk. Lucy also has a niece Kathy Sheils and her two nephews Bob and Jim Schattel.

Her funeral will be held from Farley Funeral Home, 358 Park St. (Route 27), Stoughton, Mass., on Friday, May 10, at 9:30 a.m. followed by a Funeral Mass in the Immaculate Conception Church, Stoughton at 10:30 a.m.  Visiting hours are Thursday, May 9, from 5-8 p.m. Burial to follow at Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Riverside. Donations in Lucy’s memory maybe sent to the Alzheimer’s Association, 480 Pleasant St., Watertown, Mass., 02472.Directions and obituary at www.farleyfh.com.

Mr. James G. Botelho, 95 of 11 Franklin Street, Bristol, died Saturday, May 4, 2013 following a brief illness.  He was the husband of the late Virginia (Martinelli) Botelho, his wife of 59 years, who died in 2007.

Born in Fairhaven, Mass. and raised in Warren, he was the son of the late Manuel and Alexandrina (DeJesus) Botelho.  Mr. Botelho had been a Bristol resident since 1948. Mr. Botelho was a gunnery sergeant in the US Army during WWII with Battery C of the 169th Field Artillery Battalion a unit of the 43rd Division in the Pacific Theatre serving in the battles of Guadalcanal, No Solomons Islands, New Guinea and Luzon, receiving the Asiatic Pacific Theatre Campaign Ribbon with Bronze Arrowhead and the Philippine Liberation Ribbon with Star. Previous to his war service, he joined the RI National Guard.  He was a rubber worker for over 20 years for the former Carr Fulflex Corp., formerly in Bristol retiring in 1980. He started his work career at the former Francis Farm and an oyster farmer for the former B.J. Rooks and Son Co. both formerly in Warren.

James was a communicant of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, Bristol and an avid golfer was a member of the Bristol Golf Club and several of the area’s golf leagues.  He was a member of the 43rd Infantry Division Veterans Association.  James enjoyed spending time and cooking for his family and friends.  He is survived by four nephews, Gene Massa of Warren, Robert Botelho of Providence, Robert Silva and his wife Ruth of Oxford, Mass. and Richard Silva and his wife Kathy of Naples, Maine and two nieces, Phyllis Ruth of Chula Vista, Calif. and Rose D. Goltman and her husband John of Portsmouth and a sister-in-law, Mary M. Silva of Worcester, Mass.  He is also survived by several great nieces and great nephews.

In addition to his wife and parents, he was preceded in death by three sisters, Mary Silvia, Bella Massa and Sylvia DeMonte and three brothers, Manuel Botelho, Jr., Joseph and Arthur Botelho.

Funeral services from the Sansone Funeral Home, 192 Wood Street, Bristol, are Friday, May 10, 2013 at 9 a.m. with a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. in Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, 141 State Street, Bristol.  Burial with Military Honors will follow in North Burial Ground, Hope Street, Bristol.  Visitation will be Friday morning only at 9 a.m.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Bristol Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 775, Bristol, RI  02809.  For online condolences, shared memories, information and directions go to www.sansonefuneralhome.com.

Worship Leader at his church, enjoyed music, outdoors

Daryle W. Borrows, 53, of Westport, passed away at home with his family by his side on Monday, May 6, 2013. He was the loving husband of Suzanne M. (Dupuis) Borrows.

Son of the late Rev. William A. and Lillian A.E. (Stanley) Borrows he was born in North Dakota . He worked as a Route Salesman for Crown Linen Service. Mr. Borrows was an Elder and Worship Leader at Lighthouse Assembly of God, Westport. He enjoyed song writing, playing his guitar, bicycle riding, fishing and golfing. He especially enjoyed spending time with his family and friends.

Survivors along with his wife include his birth mother, Darlene Amundson of Colorado; his daughter, Stephanie A. Boulay and her husband Kevin of New Bedford; his son, Richard W. Borrows and his wife Sharon of New York; two brothers, Todd Harms and Steve Harms, both of Colorado; two sisters, Caroline Lloyd of Colorado and Mary Bowlin of New Bedford, as well as several nieces and nephews.

He was the brother of the late Jerome Aardahl.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in honor of his unborn granddaughter may be made to Stephanie and Kevin Boulay, 188 Shawmut Ave., New Bedford, MA 02740.

Arrangements under the direction of the POTTER FUNERAL HOME, Westport.

To sign the online guestbook, please visit www.potterfuneralservice.com.

Worked at Home Depot, enjoyed motorcycles, cars

David W. Simonin Sr., 53, of Westport, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, May 6, 2013, at Charlton Memorial Hospital.

Born in Fall River, son of the late Joseph N. and Helen (Saucier) Simonin, he was a lifelong resident of Westport.

Survivors include his son, David W. Simonin Jr. of Westport; four brothers, Norman R. Simonin, Robert G. Simonin, William R. Simonin and Richard S. Simonin, all of Westport; his former wife, Dawn (Alix) Simonin of Fall River; and several nieces and nephews.

He was the brother of the late Jerry K. Simonin.

Mr. Simonin worked at Home Depot in Dartmouth. He loved spending time with his family and friends and he enjoyed his motorcycles, cars and riding his four wheeler.

His funeral, to which relatives are invited, will be Monday, May 13, at 10 a.m. at the Potter Funeral Home, 81 Reed Road, Westport. Calling hours will be Sunday from 5-8 p.m.

Interment will be in Beech Grove Cemetery, Westport.

Flowers acceptable or memorial donations may be made to the American Cancer Society, 30 Speen St., Framingham, MA 01701.

Buyer for Kmart, devoted to raising her family

Gladys June (Dean) Fortier, 89, of Westport, formerly residing in Common Fence Point in Portsmouth for over 50 years, passed away on Tuesday, April 30, 2013, at Charlton Memorial Hospital in Fall River. She was the wife of the late Alfred G. Fortier.

June was born in Fall River,  the daughter of the late James and Hannah (Millerick) Dean. In her youth, June worked for various local businesses, including Hood’s Dairy, L.B. File, and as an assembler of hand grenades and ammunition during World War II. June then worked for Kmart Department Store as a buyer for 20 years.

Mrs. Fortier  devoted her life to raising her family. She was a former member of Saint Paul’s Episcopal Church in Portsmouth and Saint Luke’s Episcopal Church in Fall River. June cherished the time she spent with her family and friends, especially her grandchildren. She was an avid reader who enjoyed working in her garden and crocheting. She loved animals and adopted several stray cats over the years.

Survivors are two daughters, Susan F. Cleary of Tiverton, and Karen K. Tung and her husband James of Brookline, Mass., and Little Compton; two grandchildren, Florine Cleary and Katherine Cleary; and three nieces, Charlotte, Marsha and Cheryl. She was the sister of the late James H. Dean.

Calling hours for June will be held on Saturday from 9 to 11 a.m. in the Hathaway Home for Funerals, 1813 Robeson St., Fall River, followed by a funeral service at 11 a.m. in the funeral home. Relatives and friends are invited to attend. Burial will follow in Oak Grove Cemetery, Fall River. To light a candle, sign guest book, facility directions go to www.hathawayfunerals.com or call 508 673-0781. Memorial donations in her memory may be made to the RI SPCA, 186 Amaral Street, Riverside, RI 02915.

Waitress, member of Westport United Congregational Church

Marilyn M. (Moura) Cobb, 82, of Westport died Tuesday, May 7, 2013, at Brandon Woods of New Bedford.  She was wife of Sherman F. Cobb, Jr.

Born in Fall River, daughter of the late Antone P. and Nellie (DeAndrade) Moura, she was a lifelong resident of Westport. Prior to retirement, she was a waitress at various restaurants in the area.

Mrs. Cobb was a member of the Westport United Congregational Church.  She enjoyed knitting, crocheting and trips to Florida and Maine, but most all she loved spending time with her family and friends.

Including her husband, survivors include a son, Paul Montigny and his wife Sandra of Westport; three daughters, Diane Ras of Westport, Donna Sanborn of Stockton Springs, Maine, and JoAnn Correia and her husband Jim of Westport; a step-son, Gary Cobb of Taunton; nine grandchildren; 11 great grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

She was the step-mother of the late Lee Cobb.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Potter Funeral Home, 81 Reed Road, Westport.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to: New England Hospice, 190 Old Derby St., Suite 304, Hingham, MA 02043.

For directions or to sign the on-line guest book, please visit www.potterfuneralservice.com.

Design draftsman supervisor at Raytheon

Alphonse Borges, 80, of Tiverton, formerly of Colonial Avenue, passed away Thursday, May 9, 2013, at home.  He was the husband of Lorraine (Correia) Borges.

Born in Fall River, he was a son of the late Antone and Emily (Amarello) Borges. He resided in Tiverton for the past 52 years and was a communicant of St. Theresa Church.  He was a member of the Liberal Club.

Mr. Borges worked as a design draftsman supervisor for Raytheon for 34 years, retiring in 1992.  After his retirement, he worked part-time for Consumer Auto Supply for 10 years.

Besides his wife, he is survived by four daughters, Beverly A. Enos (husband Joseph) of Portsmouth, Brenda M. Dupont (husband Paul) of Tiverton, Susan L. McLaren (husband John) of Cumberland, and Sharon L. Neal (husband David) of Tiverton; two sons, Michael C. Borges of Fall River and Mark A. Borges (wife Charlotte) of Somerset; a sister, Rosemary Rego of Fall River; eight grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

His funeral was held Monday at 8:45 a.m. from the Oliveira Funeral Home, Fall River., followed by a funeral Mass at 10 in St. Theresa Church.  Interment was in Pocasset Hill Cemetery.  Calling hours were Sunday.  In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to Dana Farber Cancer Institute, 450 Brookline Ave., Boston, MA  02215.

Blandine B. (Matecki) Murray, 91, of Tiverton, passed away Friday, April 10, 2013, at St. Anne’s Hospital. She was the wife of the late Edward Murray.

Born in Nashville, Ill., she was a daughter of the late Michael and Constance (Kitowski) Matecki.

Mrs. Murray worked as a seamstress for the former Chesterfield Needlecraft for many years, retiring in 1984.  She was a member of the International Ladies Garment Workers Union, now U.N.I.T.E.

She was a communicant of Holy Ghost Church and a member of their Women’s Guild.

She is survived by a daughter, Theresa C. Murray of Tiverton; a sister, Martha Stern of Nashville, Ill.; a brother, Paul Matecki of St. Louis, Mo.; two grandchildren, Veronica Moore (husband David) and Marc Davis; and many nieces and nephews.  She was the mother of the late Edward Murray, Jr., and sister of the late Esther Liszewski (her twin), Caroline Barczewski, Irene Bochantin, Emilia Matecki, Helen Matecki, Clementine Matecki, Clara Matecki, Marion Matecki, John Matecki, Adam Matecki and Charles Matecki.

Her funeral will be held on Tuesday at 9 a.m. from the OLIVEIRA FUNERAL HOME, 2064 South Main St., Fall River, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 in Holy Ghost Church.  Interment in Notre Dame Cemetery.  Calling hours Monday 5 – 8 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to Rhode Island PBS, 50 Park Lane, Providence, RI  02907 or Potter League for Animals 87 Oliphant Lane Middletown, RI  02842.  www.oliveirafuneralhomes.com

Paul E. Fontaine, 85, of Westport, died Saturday, May 11, 2013, at Charlton Memorial Hospital. He was the husband of the late Blanche Y. (Hamel) Fontaine.

Born in Fall River, he was the son of the late Arthur W. and Blanche E. (Hebert) Fontaine. He was a communicant of Our Lady of Grace Church, Westport and a World War II Army veteran.

Mr. Fontaine was a dedicated family man and had worked for Fall River Tool & Die Co., Inc. for 46 years.

He is survived by two sons, Richard P. Fontaine of Brockton and William A. Fontaine of Westport; two daughters, Paulette J. Fontaine of Brighton and Michele B. Fontaine and her partner Gary L. Cross of San Francisco; and two sisters, Blanche A. Dugal of Fall River and Irene Fontaine of Swansea.  He was the brother of the late Oscar Fontaine and Louis A. Fontaine.

Loved animals, SCUBA diving, being a mom

Eleanor O’Hara Wood Fahan (Ellie), 64, of Pleasant View Drive in Little Compton, spent most of her youth in Weston, Conn., before traveling the country in a VW bus and generally being an awesome and positive charismatic force in everything she did and with everyone she met.

She loved animals, SCUBA diving, being the best mother in the world to Molly, and being a cowgirl—as well as a beautiful walk on the beach or a fresh gardenia. She was exceptionally talented with plants, cooking, making fires, and compassion. She made the world a more beautiful place and will be terribly missed by her daughter Molly, dogs Rhett and Auggie, and all of the many people whose lives she improved just by being her.

There will be a memorial party at her home on Saturday, May 18, at 3 p.m. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in her name to Forever Paws Animal Shelter in Fall River so that her animal-loving spirit may continue.