Patricia Louise F. (Lopes) Lomba, 75 of New Bedford, passed away on March 4, 2012 unexpectedly at Charlton Memorial Hospital in Fall River, MA. She was the daughter of the late Lawrence B. and Helen P. (Ellis) Lopes. She was affectionately called Patsy by the many who loved her. Patricia’s survivors include her three daughters, Nadine L. Gomes and her husband Paul W. Gomes of New Bedford, Debbie E. Scott and her husband Joseph H. Scott, of Altamonte Springs, FL and Lee-Ann L. Frysinger and her husband W. Jesse Frysinger of Lakeville, MA; a son, Robert L. Laurie of New Bedford; one grandchild, Jónelle R. Berment and her husband Michael E. Berment of Freeport, NY; one great-grandchild, Michaela M. Berment of Freeport, NY; four sisters, Lorraine H. Lopes, Elizabeth A. Cabral and her husband Valentino Cabral, Lucille P. Nobre and her husband the late Phillip C. Nobre all of New Bedford, Naomi E. Gonsalves and her husband John J. Gonsalves of Dartmouth, MA; several nieces, a nephew and many great nieces, nephews and cousins. She was formerly married to the late John F. Lomba of New Bedford, MA.
Patricia was very active in church and community activities over the years, acting in church plays, volunteering with Your Theatre Inc., and a long-standing member of the New Bedford Historical Society.
Patricia served on the Board of Directors of PACE for several years. She held numerous positions in both the A.M.E. Church (Bethel A.M.E. New Bedford) and the United Methodist Church(St. Paul’s United Methodist New Bedford). She served as a Delegate to the General Conference, Director of Christian Education, Acolyte Mother, Sunday School Teacher, Pastor’s Steward, Chairperson of the Evangelism Committee, Pastor Parish Relations, and a choir member just to name a few. She also held a very productive prayer ministry as well as a battered and abused women’s group.
In the latter years of her life she was a member of New Life Pentecostal Church, where Sandra Echevarria is the Pastor. Patricia became a certified lay person (preacher) in 1998. She also was a lay speaker instructor for many years. She also taught in home bible studies. She served her church and community with God as her Master and Lord. Many persons benefited by her acts of kindness and prayers offered discreetly over the years.
Patricia worked for many years at St. Luke’s Hospital and Mediplex Rehabilitation Center as a Ward Clerk. At the end of her days she was employed by the Coastline Elderly Services as a Nutrition Site Manager.
Her visiting hours will be held on Thursday, March 8th from 4-7 PM followed by her Homegoing Service at 7 PM in the Saunders-Dwyer Home for Funerals, 495 Park St., New Bedford. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to P.A.C.E., INC P.O. BOX 5-626 New Bedford, MA 02742