Laureen Marie Rapoza, 61, passed away peacefully at home on August 29th, surrounded by all her family after a long battle with breast cancer. She was the wife of Richard Rapoza, oldest daughter of the late Alfred and Lillian (Pacheco) Rapoza. Born in Fall River, MA, she spent most of her life in Tiverton, RI. She was employed by Verizon for 30 years, where she retired as a manager. She was a past president and a lifelong standing member of the Telephone Pioneers and enjoyed participating in the Special Olympics events and was a member of the Executive Council of the American Cancer Association. After retiring, she continued to work at the Same Day SurgiClinic in Fall River and just recently retired after serving an additional 10 years.
Besides her husband, she is survived by her sister, Veronica and husband John Vargas, sister Arlene and husband Joseph Correia of Fall River, MA, her brothers Alfred, Gary and wife Brenda Rapoza, Kevin and wife Judy Rapoza all of Tiverton and her brother Paul and wife Doreen Rapoza of Westport, MA. Although she never had any children, she was the mother to her siblings and a mother-in-law to their families. She was a fun loving aunt to many nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews and godchildren.
She was a graduate of Mount Saint Mary’s Academy, class of 1965 and attended Salve Regina School of Nursing. Growing up, she was a member of the Holy Ghost Women’s Guild. She was a communicate of St. Theresa’s Parish in Tiverton, RI.
Her funeral will take place from the MANUEL ROGERS & SONS FUNERAL HOME, 1521 N. Main St. THURSDAY at 8:45 A.M. followed by a Mass of Christian Burial in St. Theresa’s Church, Stafford Rd., Tiverton at 10:00 A.M. Interment in Pocasset Hill Cemetery, Tiverton. Calling hours WEDNESDAY 5-9 P.M. Flowers are welcome or donations may be made to Dr. Robert D. Lagare Research Fund at the Breast Health Center at Women & Infants Hospital, 101 Dudley St. Providence, RI 02903 or to Visiting Nurse Services of Newport & Bristol Counties, 1184 East Main Rd. Portsmouth, RI 02871.