FALL RIVER… Effie M. (Swanson) Reis, 67, passed away at home, January 4, 2023.
Born in Springfield, she was a daughter of the late Donald W. and Mae L. (Goodhue) Swanson.
Mrs. Reis was a loving mother and devoted Christian. She was known to assist anyone in need without a second thought. In her younger years, she was a volunteer for the women’s auxiliary for the Fall River Am. Vets. She had worked a waitress, homemaker, and machine operator for Tilson Rubber throughout her life. Effie enjoyed the beauty of St. Anne’s Church and advocated for its reopening. She enjoyed knitting, flowers, especially tulips, visiting the ocean and caring for animals, both domestic and wild. Above all else, she loved being with her family and friends.
Survivors include her husband, Joseph Reis of the Azores; her sons: Vincent Salvatore Pietropaolo of Eastlake, OH and Joseph Anthony Pietropaolo of Willoughby, OH; her grandchildren: Joseph James Pietropaolo of Swansea and Antonia Pietropaolo; her brother, Earl Swanson of Willoughby, OH; her close friend and caretaker: Tonya Rosenbaum of Fall River and her son Colby Holman, who Effie loved as a grandson; her beloved niece: Tammylou Bouy of Fall River along with many other nieces, nephews, extended family and close friends. She was the sister of the late Patricia Mae Sullivan and Anita M. Matz.
Visitation to which relatives and friends are invited will be held Wednesday, January 11, 2023, from 4 – 8 PM at South Coast Funeral Home, 1555 Pleasant Street Fall River, MA 02723. A prayer service will be held Wednesday at 7 PM. Cremation will follow.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to be made in the name of Effie Reis to the St. Anne’s Shrine Preservation Society, 818 Middle Street, Fall River, MA 02721.