Gertrude L. (Coyne) Bellavance, 90, of New Bedford, died Monday February 16, 2015 at St. Luke's Hospital. She was the wife of the late Edward Thornber and Roland Bellavance.
Born and raised in New Bedford, the daughter of the late Patrick and Julia (Daley) Coyne, she lived in New Bedford all her life. She was a graduate of Holy Family High School, Class of 1942.
She was a communicant of Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish at St. James Church.
Mrs. Bellavance was employed as a teacher's aide for the New Bedford School Department until her retirement.
She was a member of the Mount Carmel Seniors, St. James Seniors, Buttonwood/Dartmouth Seniors, St. Hedwig Seniors, the Royal Travellers, and the Irish Social Club of Boston.
Gert was proud of her Irish heritage and loved the times spent at Bunraddy's Pub and the Irish Village. She loved her times spent in Florida, spending time with her family and her granddaughters, and going to her favorite restaurant The Chart Room. She also loved the Boston Celtics, playing cards, talking on the phone, and being around people.
She is survived by her son, Edward Thornber and his companion Louise Pilz of Texas; her daughter, Maureen Daher and her husband John of Rochester; her granddaughters, Kristen and Megan Daher of Rochester; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.
She was the sister of the late E. Patrick Coyne, John Coyne, Francis Coyne, Catherine Fitzgerald and Helen Connor.
A special thanks to her caregivers: Terry, Joyce, and Luisa; her special friend, Irene Collis; and her Godson, Danny Brennan.
Her Funeral will be held on Saturday at 9 AM from the Saunders-Dwyer Home for Funerals, 495 Park St., New Bedford, followed by her Funeral Mass at Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish at St. James Church at 10 AM. Visiting hours will be on Friday from 4-8 PM. For directions and guestbook, please visit www.saundersdwyer.com.