Barbara A. Gomes, 77, passed away on February 23, 2022, unexpectedly surrounded by her family at St. Luke's Hospital.
She was born in Acushnet, MA, daughter of the late Mildred Aguiar and Levi R Gomes, but lived most of her life in New Bedford.
She was a graduate from New Bedford High School and Diman Nursing School, where she earned her LPN. She was a retiree from the Boston HealthCare System where she serviced 22 years. Barbara was also employed at St. Luke's Hospital for 17 years until she sustained a back injury. She attended Kenyon Campbell School to obtain an associate degree in Business. After donating her kidney to her father, Levi, she started her career at the Boston HealthCare System Jamaica Plain Campus as a LPN in 1983. While working at the VA, she decided to go back to school to obtain her bachelor's degree as an RN and graduated in 1988 from Bunker Hill Community College. After graduation she continued working at the VA taking care of the Veterans. She was there for 17 years as a Registered Nurse and 5 years as a phone operator.
She leaves behind two daughters, Michaelleana and Barby-ann Silva, both of New Bedford; 3 grandchildren, Sean Booker of North Attleborough, Heather Booker and her fiancé Luis Cordero, and Brandin Braxton and his girlfriend Nicole Amaral, all from New Bedford; and 4 great grandchildren, Jahdin, Jaylah, Joylene and Julian Cordero. She also leaves behind her sister Susan Barros from Georgia, and three Godchildren, Michelle Baker of New Bedford, Steven Pedro of Fall River, and Elijah Juan Manago of Boston. She also leaves behind her Ex-husband Michael Silva of New Bedford. She was preceded by her great-granddaughter Jazalene Cordero of New Bedford and her sister Mary Rapoza from Fall River. She also preceded by her two grandchildren Leann and Miguel Rebecca. She leaves behind many nieces and nephews. She also leaves behind her Yorkie, Jasmin "Jazzi" Gomes.
Barbara enjoyed knitting and crocheting and reading books. She loved going to the beach to listen to the ocean waves. She loved to travel whenever she was able to.
The family wants to thank all the agencies, Nightingale Care givers, Anodyne Care givers, Coastline, Theresa and Betty from "Are you Ok", who they called her every morning to check up on her, and Meals on Wheels that assisted us with her home care so she could stay at her residency. A special thanks to her friend Jean Johns who was there at the drop of a dime. Also, a special thanks to all the family members who supported us during our time in need.
Her Funeral Service will be held Saturday, March 5, 2022 at 1:30pm in the Saunders-Dwyer Home for Funerals, 495 Park St., New Bedford followed by her wake from 2pm to 5pm. There will not be any burial at this time, but a graveside service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations in Barbara's memory can be made to Our Lady of the Assumption Church, 47 S Sixth Street, New Bedford, MA 02740.