Donald Francis Tucker, 92, of Fairhaven, passed away peacefully at home on Friday, December 27, 2024. He was predeceased in 2022 by his loving wife of 69 years, Lois Howard Tucker.

He was born in Fairhaven on September 4, 1932, to Claude S. and Catherine (Sullivan) Tucker. Donald lived his entire life in Fairhaven where he and Lois raised their children surrounded by a close extended family and participated actively in the community he loved. He was a deeply religious person and a communicant of St. Mary's Church.

For seven decades their home was filled with cousins, neighbors, and dear friends. In the 1990s Donald published two books about his father's schooner, Coral, to preserve the history of schooner life in New England for future generations and to reflect his enduring love of the sea.

Soon after graduating Fairhaven High School with Lois in 1950, Donald enlisted in the United States Air Force. He was stationed at Dow Air Force Base in Bangor, Maine, and at Elmendorf Air Force Base in Anchorage, Alaska, with the 64th Fighter Interceptor Squadron, where he served as staff sergeant. Ever resourceful, Donald bought a Piper Cub to work as a bush pilot while off duty. Donald remained fiercely patriotic throughout his life.

After he and Lois married in 1953, Donald went to work at Davidson's Meat Products of New Bedford. In 1963 he began a long career at New Bedford Gas and Edison Light Company, later Com Electric, where he progressed from appliance salesman to payroll and benefits supervisor before retiring in 1993.

Donald was a 35-year member of the US Coast Guard Auxiliary in Fairhaven, Little League coach, Junior Achievement advisor, Red Cross first responder and instructor, Fairhaven town meeting member, and a United Way loaned executive. He also found time to earn an associates degree in 1973.

Donald leaves behind the four loving children he raised with Lois: Ruth E. Comeau and her husband Patrick of Fairhaven; Francis J. Tucker and his wife Lu-Ann of Wareham; Howard S. Tucker and his wife Kami of Jamestown, North Carolina; and Thomas M. Tucker and his wife Caroline of Mattapoisett. He is also survived by 10 grandchildren; six great grandchildren; a brother-in-law Charles M. Howard of Bowie, Maryland; a sister-in-law Joan Tucker of Fairhaven; and several nieces and nephews. Donald was the youngest brother of the late William Tucker, Helen Davidson, Kathleen "Dolly" Benac, Claude Tucker, Jr., and Francis J. Tucker, killed in action aboard the San Francisco during the Battle of Savo Bay in November, 1942.

Visitation will be Sunday, January 5, 2025, from 2:00-5:00pm at Fairhaven Funeral Home, 117 Main St., Fairhaven. His funeral will be 9am Monday, January 6, 2024 from the funeral home followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00am at St. Mary's Church, Fairhaven. Interment will be in St. Anthony's Cemetery, Mattapoisett. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Mary's Church, Fairhaven. For memorial register or facility directions please visit, www.hathawayfunerals.com.

Leonard C. Higgins, 88, died peacefully on December 14,2024 surrounded by family at The Oaks Nursing Home.

He was the husband of the late Helen R. Higgins.

Born in Boston, the son of the late Leonard M. and Victoria (Mikolyski) Higgins. He lived in Mattapoisett most of his life and was a communicant of St. Anthony's Church. Survivors include his 3 sons, Matthew Higgins of Pacifica, CA, James Higgins and his wife Kristen of Mattapoisett and Daniel Higgins and his wife Rachael of New Bedford, his brother Thomas Higgins and his wife Connie of Alabama, his sister Beth Carciofi and her husband Lou of Tewksbury MA, his sister Mary Lou Bangs and her husband Eddie of Centerville MA. Also survived by 7 grandchildren; Emma, Jillian, Lauren, John, Anna, Joseph and Helen and many nieces and nephews.

Lenny was a devoted companion to his wife Helen. They met in Boston and they were married for 41 years.

After graduating from high school, Lenny served in the Army for 3 years. After his honorable discharge he went to work for his father's business, Higgins Ice Cream, which he later took over and eventually sold.

He worked as a dispatcher for the New Bedford fishing industry for over 20 years.

Lenny enjoyed working in his garden and was an avid reader. He would preach about silver being a good investment. After his wife's passing, he would enjoy going to the Pasta House in Fairhaven for happy hour. Lenny loved a good joke, spending time with his family and watching the Patriots.

His Funeral will be held on Saturday, December 21st at 9 am from the Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home for Funerals, 50 County Rd. (Rt. 6), Mattapoisett, followed by his Funeral Mass at St. Anthony's Church at 10 am. Visiting hours will be on Friday, December 20th from 5-8 pm. For directions and guestbook, visit www.saundersdwyer.com.

Julie Ann (Marshall) Hillier of Mattapoisett passed away after a brief illness on December 13th, 2024. She was the daughter of the late Ralph Howard Marshall and Florence Lame Marshall of Acushnet. Julie enjoyed a 46-year partnership with her husband Jack Hillier.

Julie was born in New Bedford, MA. She was a 1969 graduate of Holy Family High School where she was thrilled and fortunate enough to be a member of the cheerleading squad for a basketball team that played in Boston Garden and won the state championship.

After assisting her mom with the care of her seven siblings, a career as a nurse was a natural path. Julie graduated from the St. Luke's Hospital School of Nursing in 1973. Part of her early career was spent at St. Luke’s. Later she moved to Brookline and worked at the Boston Hospital for Women. Always interested in travel, she moved to England where she took a job at Chailey Heritage Hospital School in Sussex. While in the UK she worked with children who had complex neuro-disabilities. During breaks from work she traveled widely in Europe. Upon returning to the U.S. she worked at the Kennedy Donovan Center on Coggeshall Street, New Bedford. After her marriage to Jack and a move to Cape Cod, Julie worked in long term care at the Falmouth Nursing Home. Home care nursing positions followed after she earned her Certificate in Gerontological Nursing. Organizations such as Special Care Nursing, Marriott Assisted Living, Project Independence, Lifestream, and Coastline Elderly Services benefited from Julie's nursing skills. No matter the care setting, patients appreciated her calm demeanor and warm ways.

Julie loved nature! Among her favorite places were: Ned's Point, Herring Cove Beach, Nauset Beach, Indian Rocks Beach, FL, St. Simons Island, GA, the coast of Maine from York to Southwest Harbor, Acadia National Park and the West Coast of Ireland. Julie was always in search of heart shaped rocks and unique shells. She kept her backyard well stocked with bird food year-round. She cultivated flowers to attract various avian species and added sugar water to multiple oriole and hummingbird feeders throughout each summer.

Julie had a great sense of fashion. She enjoyed shopping and putting together outfits from various consignment shops, street fairs and specialty stores. Julie made pottery and jewelry. She painted with acrylics and also stenciled walls for her friends.

Julie was predeceased by her sister Elizabeth.

In addition to her husband Jack, she leaves her siblings and their spouses: John (Paulette) of New Bedford, Peter (Karen) of Rochester, Charles (Anna) of Acushnet, Katherine (Peter) Majka of Wareham, Robert (Donna) of Freetown, and Thomas E. of Acushnet.

Julie loved her family and friends dearly. Her nieces, nephews, grand-nieces and grand-nephews loved their "Auntie Julie". She will be missed by many and not forgotten. To honor Julie's memory, live by the golden rule and strive for peace.

A visitation will be held on Friday December 20th from 1-3 pm at the Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home for Funerals, 50 County Road, Route 6, Mattapoisett, followed by a memorial service beginning at 3 pm.

Barbara A. (Souza) Littlewood, 93, of New Bedford died December 8, 2024 at Royal of Fairhaven.

She was the wife of the late Donald C. Littlewood.

Born in New Bedford, daughter of the late Manuel and Elsie A. (Davis) Souza, she lived in New Bedford most of her life.

Barbara was a graduate of Boston School for the Deaf.

She had a close relationship with Jesus and was a member of the New Life Pentecostal Church in Acushnet.

The family is grateful to granddaughter Abby for caring for Barbara in her home.

Survivors include her 3 sons, Ronald Littlewood of Marion, Paul Littlewood and his wife Rebecca of Fairhaven and Shawn Littlewood and his wife Carolyn of Westminister, SC; 5 grandchildren; and 4 great-grandchildren.

Her visiting hours will be held on Tuesday, December 17th from 4-7 PM in the Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home for Funerals, 50 County Rd. (Rt. 6), Mattapoisett. For directions and guestbook, visit www.saundersdwyer.com.

Richard "Dick" M. Cotter passed away on Thursday, December 5, 2024, at the age of 87, surrounded by his family after a long illness. He was a loving and devoted husband to Joan M. (Leclair) Cotter for 61 years and a caring father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle and brother.

He was born in New Bedford, MA to Joseph W. Cotter and Cecelia E. (Cowen) Cotter and was a graduate of New Bedford High School. He then earned his Bachelor's degree from Bryant College. After college, he went on to proudly serve with distinction in the U.S. Army and after being honorably discharged, he started his career in banking at the First National Bank of New Bedford. He held various positions there and at other banks over four decades. Although he liked banking, he found true satisfaction teaching Macro and Micro Economics as an adjunct professor at Bristol Community College, for over twenty years. Dick had a quiet zest for life, a dry sense of humor, and a passion for dessert. He was a lifelong golfer and he thoroughly enjoyed sailing, watching his grandchildren grow, traveling with his wife, and reading books.

Whenever you asked him for help, he was always the first to show up and the last to leave. He never asked for anything in return, nor did he ever ask to be acknowledged for anything he ever did, he would just quietly go about the task at hand. This might be something he'd ask us all to reflect on in our busy lives, and how we should undertake helping others in our community.

His life was not without difficulties, nor was it absent health problems. However, he'll be most notably remembered for always staring down adversity and never giving up on anything or anyone. He was loved and will be deeply missed by many, especially to all those over the years he had "given the day off!"

We'd like to thank all the various health care providers he has had over the years, that were instrumental in giving us valuable time with him that we may not have ever had without their involvement. We'd also like to thank the local Council's on Aging and the various Alzheimer's and Dementia programs that helped us through his decline. And lastly, if you know anyone who is a caretaker, please reach out to them, even if it's just to say "hello" we know they will greatly appreciate it.

His private Funeral Mass was celebrated on Tuesday, December 10th in Holy Name of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Church that honored his life, his faith and his service. Burial will follow in Sacred Heart Cemetery. Arrangements are with the Saunders-Dwyer Home for Funerals, 495 Park St., New Bedford. For directions and guestbook, visit www.saundersdwyer.com.

Jill (Crippin) Vancour, 57, Of Mattapoisett died November 28, 2024 unexpectedly at St. Luke's Hospital.

Born in Wareham, daughter of Harriet L. (Kremp) Crippin of Mattapoisett and the late Warren D. Crippin, she lived in Mattapoisett all of her life.

She was employed as a cook in several local restaurants, and was a 1985 graduate of Old Colony Vocational High School.

Jill enjoyed making jewelry and painting art.

Survivors include her mother; her fiance, Scott Davis of Marion; her son, Scott Perry of Wilkes-Barre PA; a daughter, Dayna Crippin of Sanford, FL; a sister, Jan Thomas of Mattapoisett; six nieces and nephews, Derek Crippin and his wife K-Leigh Crippin, Cory Thomas, Joshua Thomas, Taylor Crippin, and Kyle Pina; and one great niece and one great nephew, Sophia and Adam Crippin.

She was the mother of the late Zachary Sherman.

Her funeral service and burial in St. Anthony's Cemetery will be private. Arrangements are with the Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home for Funerals, 50 County Rd. (Rt. 6), Mattapoisett. For online guestbook, visit www.saundersdwyer.com.

Barbara Whitehead Silva, 93, of Mattapoisett, Massachusetts died peacefully at home on Monday, December 2, 2024. She was the daughter of the late Charles "Carlie" Whitehead and Blanche Whitehead of Dartmouth, MA, and mother of Lisa A. Grace, and grandmother of Matthew R. Grace.

Barbara was a graduate of Dartmouth High School. She was a devout Catholic and long-time parishioner of St. Anthony's Church in Mattapoisett. She donated regularly to the Mattapoisett police and emergency services departments, as well as to United States Veterans. Barbara held her extended family and friends close to her heart. Referred to as Baba by her loved ones, she raised and impacted many generations amongst her family, friends, colleagues, and community.

Barbara was the former President/CEO of First Citizens' Federal Credit Union, starting in the early 1950's as Treasurer, she served the bank for 45 years. Barbara led their growth from a state-chartered credit union to a federally-chartered credit union in the 1980's, as well as their expansion from their Bristol county headquarters in New Bedford to several branches and counties throughout Massachusetts.

Barbara was a committed member of the communities in the South Coast of Massachusetts, particularly New Bedford, and was a business leader at a time when women were in the extreme minority. Barbara served many area organizations, including as former Trustee of St. Luke's Hospital; Board Member of the Massachusetts Small Business Loan Review Board, the United Way, and New Bedford Junior Achievement; Board Member and Chairperson of the New Bedford Area Chamber of Commerce, Director of the Credit Union National Association (CUNA) of Massachusetts, and Executive Committee Member of the Economic Development Corporation of Greater New Bedford. She was the first woman inducted into the New Bedford Area Business Hall of Fame in 1985 and received the Citation Award from the American Business Women's Association in 1987.

A private Funeral Mass will be held for her family. A celebration of Barbara's life will be held at the Country Club of New Bedford (where she was a member for over 30 years) on Saturday, December 14, from 11am to 2pm. The celebration is open to all who knew and loved Barbara.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations are made in Barbara's name to St. Anthony's Church of Mattapoisett, MA. (https://anthonyandrita.com). Arrangements are by the Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home for Funerals, 50 County Rd., Mattapoisett. For online condolence book, please visit www.saundersdwyer.com.

Steven A. Briggs, 68, of Marion passed away unexpectedly at home on December 1, 2024. He was the husband of Rita L. St. Germaine and the son of the late Sherman and Joanne (Mead) Briggs.

He was born in Wareham and lived in Marion his whole life.

Mr. Briggs worked as a self-employed painter in the tri-town area for over 40 years.

He enjoyed collecting antiques and interesting or unusual things, helping people out, carpentry, goofing around and making people laugh, making use of people's old stuff he found during his frequent trips to the dump, visiting his friends, sitting by the fire, driving around town with his late beagle Boo Boo, and grabbing his daily morning coffee at Uncle Jons. He was loved by many, and will be missed by all, but his legacy will live on through his family and friends.

Survivors include his wife, Rita St. Germaine of Marion; 3 daughters, Kari MacRae and her husband David of Bourne; Stacia Briggs and her partner Shawn Case of Marion and Stevi Briggs and her partner Jake Fugate of Norton; stepson Jacob St. Germaine of Attleboro, 4 grandchildren, Brandon MacRae, Sydney MacRae, Ryan MacRae and Maddox Fugate; 5 great grandchildren, Kolby, Lucas, Carter, Rowan, and Ava; a brother, Sherman Briggs of Marion; He was the brother of the late Shawn Briggs and Sharon Garnett and stepfather of the late Bethany Clickner.

Visiting hours are from 4 to 7 pm on Thursday, December 5, 2024, at Chapman Funerals & Cremations - Wareham, 2599 Cranberry Hwy., Wareham.

His funeral service will be held at 11:00 am on Friday, December 6, 2024, at Chapman Funerals & Cremations - Wareham.

Donations in his memory may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or the Mass Audubon Society, Development Office, 208 South Great Rd., Lincoln, MA 01773

For more info and online guestbook, visit: www.chapmanfuneral.com

Frank L. Fletcher, 83, of Mattapoisett, passed away on Friday, November 29, 2024 after a brief illness. Born on January 3, 1941, in Stamford, CT, he was the son of the late Thomas and Stephanie (Greska) Fletcher. Frank was a longtime resident of Mattapoisett.

A standout athlete, Frank was an exceptional tennis player at Fairhaven High School. He later went on to serve as the tennis professional at several local racquet clubs. While teaching tennis, Frank also worked at the Marion Sports Shop, which he purchased in 1967. He successfully operated the business until 2021 when a fire forced its closure.

In 2005, Frank opened his second clothing business, Collections on Court, in downtown Plymouth, MA, that is still in operation today.

Frank was deeply embedded in the Mattapoisett and Marion communities, known as a devoted family man and a passionate local business owner. He took great pride in supporting small businesses and appreciated the important role they played in the local area. Both Frank and the Marion Sports Shop & Clothiers became synonymous with the town of Marion. Over the years, Frank formed lasting, meaningful relationships with his tennis students, customers, employees, and neighbors. His love for the community was matched only by his devotion to his family.

Frank was a proud father who, along with his wife Nancy, raised two sons in Mattapoisett. He was also a passionate cook, always exploring new recipes from his vast collection of cookbooks. He delighted in preparing gourmet meals for family and friends, creating countless cherished memories around the dinner table.

Frank was predeceased by his beloved wife of 56 years, Nancy Fletcher; his brother, Thomas Fletcher; and his sister, Marion Roberts.

He is survived by his son Thomas B. Fletcher and daughter-in-law Kristin of Stamford, CT; his son Stephen L. Fletcher of Mattapoisett; and his nieces Lori Fletcher Sherburne and Lisa Fletcher Shore, both of New Hampshire, as well as his nephew Chris Roberts of Acushnet, MA.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Frank's name may be made to the Southcoast Health Visiting Nurses Association, 200 Mill Rd., Fairhaven, MA 02719. A memorial visitation date is pending. For online guestbook, visit www.saundersdwyer.com.

Nancy Baybutt, 94, passed away at home in Mattapoisett in the early morning hours of November 27th, 2024. A vibrant, happy woman, part of the greatest generation, there were many chapters in her long adventurous life. Born at home in Newton, MA on Valentine's Day in 1930, she was the third of four children born to Eva (Bea) Dailey and Dr. Hugh Dailey. A veterinarian serving in the cavalry during World War I, he came home and became the first Chief of Staff at the newly built Angell Memorial Animal Hospital in Boston. Nancy grew up amidst all kinds of pets- dogs, cats, birds, guinea pigs, ponies, goats, rhesus monkeys, reptiles, ocelots, and a pet fox. The children were raised on goat's milk from their father's herd. all kept in Newton near what is now Coolidge Corner. Her father died young, in 1937, and she was raised by her widowed, working mother. Although she wanted to go to college, there was only enough money to send her older brother to Vet School. Nancy attended Katie Gibbs after high school and worked as a secretary at Boston Children's Hospital. There she met Richard Baybutt, an engineer also from Newton. They started their family in the Boston area and then moved to Keene, NH where Dick started Baybutt Construction Company and Nancy served as secretary and bookkeeper while raising four children.

Nancy loved people, pets, and politics. At one point she was leading three Cub Scouts dens, one for each of her three sons, and taught Sunday school at St. James Episcopal Church. Her community involvement also included terms as President of the PTA and the League of Women Voters as well as being a member of the Keene City Council. She moved from local to state politics, becoming a state representative for Keene and Assistant Majority Leader in the NH House. She worked closely with Governor John Sununu as Head of NH Health and Welfare and campaigned with many Presidential candidates when they came through Concord for the first national Primary.

Nancy started raising Golden Retrievers after meeting one on her honeymoon on Martha's Vineyard in 1952. There was always a June litter that her children and grandchildren played with and "puppy piled" before they moved on to a new home. She showed Goldens for many years and in 1989, "Ducky" was the top Golden in the US and was twice Best of Breed at Westminster. Later, she trained two other hunting breeds, German Shorthaired Pointers and Vizslas before downsizing to Affenpinchers in the 90s. She bred many Affenpincher champions and traveled to dog shows all over the US and Canada as well as England and Costa Rica.

She is survived by her daughter, Susan Spirito (and her husband, Tony) as well as sons John and Timothy (and their wives, Dawn and Kathy) and wife (Mary Lou) of her predeceased son, Frederick. Her grandchildren have great memories of Christmas ski trips to Stowe, Vermont with Nana and spending part of every summer with her at Holly Woods Beach in Mattapoisett including Emilia (Brooklyn) and the late Evan Spirito, as well as Andy and his wife, Liz (Vail, CO), Tom and his fiance, Erica (Fitzwilliam, NH), Will and his wife, Heather (Manchester, NH), Bradley, Celia, and Britta (Keene, NH) Baybutt. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews as well as great granddaughter, Charlotte Baybutt, and her last Affenpincher, Jasper.

A Remembrance is planned for next summer in Mattapoisett. For online guestbook, visit www.saundersdwyer.com.