Dorothy Eve (Poulin) Kearney, 88, of New Bedford died March 22, 2015 at Brandon Woods of Dartmouth.
She was the wife of the late Bernard Kearney and mother of the late Bernard "Jack" Kearney, Jr. and Michael Kearney.
Born in New Bedford, the daughter of the late Ralph R. and Delia (Rioux) Poulin, she lived in New Bedford all of her life.
Mrs. Kearney retired from University of Massachusetts, Dartmouth in 1996 after nearly 30 years in the Computer Information Science Department. For many years she owned and operated a real estate business with her late husband and sons.
She served the people of New Bedford as an elected member of the City Council, as Councillor at Large and Council President.
She was dynamic, forceful, eloquent and always elegantly attired advocate. Her candidacies were supported by local unions and business organizations. She fought to revitalize downtown New Bedford; to have New Bedford named an "All-American City"; and to keep the Polaroid plant open and independent. She was instrumental in preservation and revitalization projects such as the Zeiterion Theatre. Mrs. Kearney led an active life filled with public service, business success and charitable endeavors.
Her Graveside Service will be held on Wednesday, April 1st at 11:30 AM in St. Mary's Cemetery. Arrangements are with the Saunders-Dwyer Home for Funerals, 495 Park St., New Bedford. In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to Nativity Preparatory School, 66 Spring St., New Bedford, MA 02740.