On Thursday, October 31, 2019, our beloved Mrs. Joanna S. Rebeiro began her personal journey with the "Angels", at the age of 97, after a two decade battle with Alzheimer's disease.
Joanna was second born daughter of the late Andreza (Ribeiro) and Candido Silva. She was preceded in death by her sisters Julia Fortes, Mary S. Rebeiro, Louise S. Oliveira, Dominga S. Payne, and her brothers Antone (Smoke) Silva and Albert (Smokey) Silva.
A lifetime resident of New Bedford, Joanna, wife of the late Sylvester C. Rebeiro, together were the parents of eight children: James (Hatman) Ribeiro, Sylvestra (Jane) DeBritto, Russell (Buffalo) Rebeiro, Marilyn Andrews, Marsha L. Rebeiro, Gordon D. Rebeiro, Clyde M. Rebeiro, and Reva A. Rebeiro. She is loved and missed dearly by her extended family.
Joanna was employed as a textile and electronics worker for over 40 years, at Aerovox, Cornell-Dubilier, and Acushnet Rubber Company.
Joanna was the Past President of the Cape Verdean American Veteran Association Auxiliary. In her capacity as President, she received multiple Awards: the Cape Verdean American "Appreciation, Dedication and Loyalty" award for the years 1956-1994, the Cape Verdean Recognition Committee Grand Marshal of Cape Verdean Parade, and the City of New Bedford's Woman of the Year 1996 - 1997.
Joanna enjoyed her visits with family and travels to California, Washington D.C., and traveling to Antigua, Hawaii, and Rhode Island.
She will be lovingly remembered as a strong, fiercely independent, no nonsense woman, friend and community member. Faith had always played an important part in her life. She remained an active member at Our Lady Assumption Church for many years and was a devoted parishioner.
The Rebeiro family would like to extend our gratitude for the loving and attentive care given by the staffs from Community Nursing Home Care, Attentive, and Bayada. She considered all friendships as a gift.
Her Funeral Service will be held on Saturday November 9th at 2 PM at the Saunders-Dwyer Home for Funerals, 495 Park St., New Bedford. Visitation will be on Saturday from 12-2 PM prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Joanna's name to the Alzheimer's Association, Massachusetts Chapter Headquarters, 309 Waverley Oaks Road, Waltham, MA 02452. For directions and guestbook, please visit www.saundersdwyer.com.