Pearl R. Hession died on Sunday December 5, 2010 at her home in Fairhaven in the peace of her faith and with the love of her family and friends. A longtime resident of Fairhaven, Pearl was born June 12, 1936 to Doris (Booth) and Henry Genereux. Pearl was one of their five children and was predeceased by her sister Shirley and her brother Larry; she is survived by her two sisters, Jenny and Vernie and a host of nieces and nephews as well as some extraordinary friends.
On October 5, 1957, Pearl married the love of her life, Robert "Bob" Hession, at the Church of St. James, in New Bedford. They lived a wonderful life together for thirty years. Their love bore four children, her greatest satisfaction over her life-time: a daughter, Lena McCarron (and husband Kevin) of Fairhaven, and three sons, Adam of Fairhaven, Steven of Taunton and (Fr.) Mark of Centerville. As a young couple in the early 60’s, Pearl followed Bob’s efforts to obtain work in the textile industry all the way to Swainsboro, GA and, then, on to Nigeria in Africa.
After living those incredible adventures in the South as well as overseas, Pearl and Bob settled with their family in the town of Fairhaven. To fulfill her children’s desire for a swimming pool, Pearl began work at the Acushnet Company – from which she retired twenty-five years later!
After raising their children with great pride, Pearl and Bob were blessed with three grandchildren: Danielle and Eric of Fairhaven and Michael of Westport. During the last year, she was able to celebrate the arrival and enjoy the company of two great-granddaughters: Hailey-Faith of Fairhaven and Kennedy-Reese of Westport.
Bob’s sudden death in 1987 greatly affected Pearl. The last twenty-four years tested her resilience and faith – both of which were strengthened through her suffering. Her family will remember her great love for music and dancing, her incredibly dry sense of humor, her deep compassion, her quiet faith and her unselfish love.
Thanks go out to those who helped preserve her dignity and allow her to stay in her home, especially Louisa, her angel, as well as Anna, Sheila and Cathy. Pearl received excellent medical care from Paul Alexander, MD, Curtis Mello, MD, and staff members, Wendy, Tara and Tracey. In these last weeks, Hospice blessed the ending of her life with the assistance of her nurse Sue, and Nicole.
A Wake will be held at the Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home for Funerals, 50 County Rd., Route 6,Mattapoisett from 4-7 PM on Wednesday, December 8, 2010. The Reception of her body at Our Lady of Victory Church in Centerville will take place Thursday December 9 at 10 AM. The Funeral Mass will follow at 11 AM. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, a gift in her memory may be made to Compassionate Care Hospice, 183 Central Avenue, Seekonk, MA 02771, or to Our Lady of Victory Parish, 230 South Main Street, Centerville, MA 02632. For directions and guestbook, please visit www.saundersdwyer.com.