Phyllis A. (Joseph) Bulgar, 87 of New Bedford passed on September 9, 2019 at Sacred Heart Home after a long illness. Born in New Bedford, Massachusetts, she was the daughter of the late Ira S. Joseph, Jr. and Aletha (Drayton) Joseph and one of six brothers and sisters.
She was a member of Bethel AME, which was the family church she attended throughout her childhood. Raising her six daughters brought her the most joy along with caring for her beloved grandchildren—who affectionately call her “Nana.” As the loving person she was, Mrs. Bulgar was well known for the selfless care and mothering of many children in the family and community. She easily brought family and friends together to socialize and enjoy her delicious cooking. She attended Kinyon-Campbell Business School and was employed by New Bedford Home for the Aged.
Survived by 6 beautiful daughters, Stephanie J. Pina and her husband Frank, Nancy P. Bulgar and Toni A. Pires and her husband Joseph, all of New Bedford, Pamela J. Bond and her husband Damian of Ft. Washington, MD, Denise E. Bulgar of Chicago, IL and Lisa R. Bulgar of Hollywood, FL; and her son, John Bulgar of New Bedford.
She was the loving sister of the late Alice M. Smith, Cleone J. Mendez Greene and Ira S. Joseph, III and survived by 2 brothers, Harrison W. Joseph Sr. of New Bedford and Charles H. Joseph of California; her former husband, John W. Bulgar of New Bedford; 9 grandchildren, Cory Pina, Dwayne Pina, Shaunell Bulgar, Shane Bulgar, Jordan Pina, Marcel DePina, Clifton Johnson, Braxton Bond and John Bulgar; 12 great-grandchildren; 3 great-great-grandchildren; and several loving nieces and nephews. She will be warmly remembered through the generations for the deep love she bestowed upon her children and the kind heart she shared with family, friends and neighbors.
Her visiting hours will be held on Sunday, September 15th from 3-6 PM at the Saunders-Dwyer Home for Funerals, 495 Park Street, New Bedford. Additionally, the Bulgar and Smith family would like to extend an invitation to the “Sisters Homegoing Celebration” for beloved Phyllis and Alice, which will be held on Saturday, September 21st at 10:00 a.m. at Bethel AME Church, 532 County Street, New Bedford, Massachusetts.
The family extends their gratitude to the staff at Sacred Heart Nursing Home and Southcoast VNA. We are also grateful to Elario Burgo for the love and friendship he shared with “Dear Nana Phyllis.” Donations can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association at www.alz.org, on Mrs. Bulgar’s behalf.