New Bedford – Doris May Gomes (Rodericks) reunited with her soulmate and husband of seventy years, Natalio Gomes, after her passing on Wednesday, September 1, 2021. Doris “Dot” was the 96 year old matriarch of the Gomes family from Acushnet, Massachusetts, and exemplified a life well lived by a strong, smart, and beautiful woman of the greatest generation. Doris was born on March 31, 1925, to the late Joseph and Georgiana (Costa) Rodericks. The difficult challenges presented by a childhood in this era were overcome with grace and shaped Doris with strict values and an optimistic appreciation of enjoying life. Doris and Nate’s storied sweetheart romance was formed by common employment at Cornell Dublier in the south end of New Bedford and was forged for life upon his return from WWII. Doris and Nate lived happily ever after with a common goal of making a simple home for themselves in which to raise a family. Through collaborative effort, hard-work, and determination, the love birds succeeded in rising from a modest apartment without plumbing of today’s standards to several houses they built and brought to life with their family together. Doris and Nate lived life to the fullest focused on a conservative home life, meaningful adventures, family fun, and maintaining a close-knit relationship with loved ones. Doris positively impacted the lives of many and outlived her fondest siblings Charles Rodericks of Mattapoisett, Jeanette Audette of Dartmouth, Manuel Vieira of New Bedford, and Barbra Conley of Colorado. Doris’ beauty and sense of humor were sharpened by her treasured familial upbringing and camaraderie that lasted a lifetime.
Doris was an avid gardener who enjoyed bird-watching and playing scrabble with friends. Doris will always be remembered for extending her loving and nurturing nature to her family, friends, and elegant gardens. With her careful planting and attentive guidance above, those who survive her will continue on in her legacy of nurturing familial growth and support. Doris and Nate will rest in everlasting peace knowing they were loved and passed while leaving a lasting impression on those around them evident by their thankless caretakers. Doris’ wit, laughter, and love will be missed by all who knew her, especially, her sons David and wife Linda of Rochester and Andrew of Acushnet, grandchildren Pamela Labonte and husband Christopher Labonte, Peter, Nathanyl, Nicholas, Noah, and great-grandchildren Ryan Labonte, Lexi Labonte, Joseph, and Greyson. Nana adored her several nieces and nephews, including Genevieve, Judith, Ann, Valerie, Sue, Chris, Mike, Gregory, Gary, Bobby, Steven, Michael, Susan and Janet whose beauty, assistance, and success brought her great pride.
The family will hold a private service.
Arrangements are placed in the care of Perry Funeral Home 111 Dartmouth St. New Bedford, MA 02740. Please see our website: www.perryfuneral.com for condolences.