E. Lillian (Tavares) Costa, 93, of Dartmouth died Wednesday December 21, 2016 at St. Luke's Hospital after a brief illness. She was the loving wife of the late John A. Costa, and the loving companion of the late Carl "Chuck" Motta.
Born in New Bedford, the daughter of the late Alfred C. and Mary (Belmira) Tavares, she lived in Dartmouth for many years. She also wintered in Naples, Florida for many years.
Mrs. Costa was formerly employed as an office manager for Stop and Shop until her retirement.
She was a member of the Loyal Order of Moose and the Ladies Auxiliary of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Dartmouth Post. She was an avid bowler and loved dancing with her many friends in both Massachusetts and Florida. She enjoyed watching the Boston Red Sox and the New England Patriots.
Survivors include three children, John A. "Jack" Costa, Jr. and his wife Betty of Acushnet, Christine Mae Costa and Jeffrey A. Costa and his wife Carol Ann, all of New Bedford; her sister-in-law, Peg Tavares; four grandchildren, Garret and Thomas Costa, and Robert and Corde Johnson; nine great-grandchildren; three stepchildren, Diane Rish and her husband Edward of Canton, GA, Carlene Brennan of Wareham, and Doreen Costa and her husband Thomas of Dighton, four step-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
She was sister of the late Alfred, Cosme, James, and Herbert Tavares, Mary Enos, Mildred Metz, Sally Hall, and Emma Travers.
Her Funeral will be held on Wednesday December 28, 2016 at 11 AM from the Saunders-Dwyer Home for Funerals, 495 Park St., New Bedford, followed by her Funeral Mass at St.Julie Billiart Church, Dartmouth at 12 Noon. Burial will be in Rural Cemetery. Visiting hours will be on Tuesday December 27, 2016 from 4-8 PM. For directions and guestbook, please visit www.saundersdwyer.com.