New Bedford - Beatrice P. (Arruda) Arruda, of New Bedford, age 86, died Thursday, April 30, 2009 at the Oaks. She was the beloved wife of the late Antone P. Arruda. Godmother of David Goulart and his wife Ann of New Bedford, Kathleen Connor and her husband Martin, of Fairhaven and Susan Correa and her husband Steve, of New Bedford. Sister of Irene Mello and her husband Adrian of New Bedford, brother in law Edwin Goulart and sister in law Phyllis Arruda of New Bedford. Aunt “Bea Bea” is also survived by nephews Thomas Goulart, Andy Mello and his wife Elizabeth of New Bedford and by nieces Janet Ferreira and her husband Stephen of Acushnet, Patti Marshall and her husband Brian of New Bedford, Lois Arruda, Loretta Arruda of New Jersey and several great nieces and nephews and one great-great nephew. She was the sister of the late Inez P. Goulart and Joseph P. Arruda.
Born in New Bedford, a daughter of the late Julia Paiva (Sylvia) and Joseph P. Arruda. She previously resided in New Bedford and South Dartmouth. She worked at Cornell-Dubilier and later retired from Puritan Fashions of New York. In her leisure she enjoyed reading, crocheting and weekend trips with her “Tony”.
Beatrice and her late husband Antone were formerly active members of St. John the Baptist Church and its Couples Club. She was a member of the Holy Rosary Sodality and Girl Scout troop leader. Many girl scouts had passed through the life and home of Beatrice Arruda, learning crafts. At Christmas, the Arruda’s home transformed into a magical Santa’s workshop, trains and all. In South Dartmouth, she was a communicant of St. Mary’s Church as well as a member of the New Creation Prayer group of Mount Carmel Church of New Bedford. She was also awarded the Marion Award from the Diocese of Fall River.
Mrs. Arruda’s Funeral will be from the Perry Funeral Home, 111 Dartmouth St. on Thursday at 8:45 A.M. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Mary’s Church South Dartmouth at 10 A.M. Visiting hours will be Wednesday evening from 5-8 P.M. Burial will take place at Rural Cemetery. Relatives and friends are invited.
In lieu of Flowers a donation or memorial gift in her memory may be made to the St. Jude’s Children Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude’s Place, Memphis, TN. 38105-1942
for condolences and directions please go to www. perryfuneral.com