John F. Camacho, 89, of Mattapoisett, a devoted family man and devout Catholic, passed peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family on Sunday, March 2, 2025. Born on October 4, 1935 at his family home in New Bedford, he was the devoted husband of E. Sylvia (Correa) Camacho and the adored and loving father of five daughters.

He was a 1953 graduate of Bristol County Agricultural High School where he earned a degree in Animal Husbandry. Upon graduation, Mr. Camacho's intention was to serve in the United States Marine Corps, but due to a medical condition, he was unable to do so. Therefore, he took a job as a ride mechanic with a traveling carnival. He then went on to work at Raytheon, Public Finance as a bill collector, and a branch manager at Bank of Boston, as well as Luzo Community Bank. He served as a police officer in Mattapoisett for 25 years where he also was an EMT and CPR instructor. Growing up, Mr. Camacho worked on his family's pig farm, proudly alongside his dad. Years later, he and his wife pursued his dream of opening a restaurant on the very same land; thus in 1992, The Farm restaurant was opened in the North End of New Bedford, and successfully operated for 10 plus years.

Mr. Camacho was a dedicated family man who enjoyed celebrating birthdays and holidays. He was an animal lover, an avid hunter, and loved nature and working in his yard. Although a quiet man, he was also humorous and loved to tell jokes.

Mr. Camacho is predeceased by his loving parents, Antonio F. and Virginia (Braga) Camacho, and his sister, Linda Vasconcellos.

Carrying on his legacy are his loving wife of 65 years, E. Sylvia Camacho, daughters Deborah Camacho, Marcia Gracia and husband James, Lynne Lapalme and husband David, Cheryl Disabella, Victoria Asiaf and husband Derek, 11 grandchildren; Heidi Perkins and husband Wayne, Ross Gracia and wife Ashley, Brady Gracia, Sienna and Zachary Lapalme, Tyler, Logan, Dylan, and Kylee Disabella, Jacob and Jared Asiaf, three great-grandchildren; Avery, Alexy, and Amyah Perkins, his furry companion "Butch", and his niece Diana L. Bourassa and nephew Edouard Bourassa, Jr.

We are very thankful for his caregivers who have provided exceptional care, devotion, and compassion to our dad and have become like family (Melissa, Sue, Trisha, Arsenia, Sandra, and Luci). We are also grateful for the dedicated staff at Fairhaven Community Nurse for providing their knowledge and assistance during this journey.

His Funeral Mass will be held Tuesday, March 25, 2025 at 10am at St. Anthony's Church, 26 Hammond Street, Mattapoisett, with everyone invited to meet directly at Church. Interment will be private. Visiting hours will be held Monday, March 24, 2025 from 3pm - 6pm in the Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home for Funerals, 50 County Road, Mattapoisett. In lieu of flowers, donations in Mr. Camacho's memory may be made to Bristol County Agricultural High School, c/o Animal Science Association - In Memory of John F. Camacho, 135 Center Street, Dighton, MA 02715.

Edward W. Dexter, 71, of Mattapoisett died February 28, 2025 peacefully at home.

Born in Charleston, SC, son of the late Edward L. Dexter and Florence M. (Parusa) Drago, he lived in Mattapoisett most of his life.

He was formerly employed as a landscaper and carpenter.

Mr. Dexter served in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War.

He enjoyed fishing, quahogging, tending to aquariums and gardening.

Survivors include his son, Eddie; his brother Bob and his wife Sylvia; and friends.

His funeral service 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.

Wende L. Ouellette, 52, of West Wareham passed away Monday February 24, 2025 after a long illness.

She was the loving wife of James Ouellette, Jr. of West Wareham and daughter of Beverly J. Chappell and the late David F. Pontes.

A 1990 graduate of Taunton High School. Wende was the mother of James Ouellette, III, of W. Wareham. Daughter in-law of James and Linda Ouellette of W. Wareham and sister in-law of Regina & Christopher Hammond of Rochester. Aunt of Ryan Hammond of Rochester She was also survived by her fur babies Lilly & Shadow and many loving relatives and friends. She was the sister of the late Jason D. Pontes.

Services will be private at this time. To leave a message of condolence for the family please visit www.warehamvillagefuneralhome.com

A Go Fund Me has been setup to assist Jim with her burial and medical expenses. https://gofund.me/c63a373b

Atty. Jan E. Dabrowski, 67, of Mattapoisett passed away on Thursday, February 20, 2025, at Tufts Medical Center following a long illness.

Jan graduated from Bishop Stang High School, Boston College, and Boston College School of Law. He was an attorney in private practice in New Bedford for over 40 years.

A proud member of the U.S. Merchant Marines, he served aboard the SS San Antonio, SS Mormacsun, SS Gulf Oil, and the collier SS Marine Electric (RIP Bill Mulberry). He also worked for The Steamship Authority.

Jan was a devoted fan of the Boston College Eagles and served as manager of the basketball team from 1975-1979. He was a member of the Board of Directors of St. Anne Credit Union and served as Chairman of the Board. He was also a member of the Reservation Golf & Beach Club. Jan was happiest at their home on Anna Maria Island, FL.

He was the son of the late Sheriff Edward K. and Helen Dabrowski. He is survived by his long-time partner and best friend Carol Mansfield; his sister Christine Amaral of Parkesburg, PA; his brother Ronald of Arlington, VA; his nephews Joshua Amaral and Zachary Dabrowski; his niece Amanda Dabrowski; and his long-time friend Leslie Power.

In accordance with Jan's wishes, there are no visiting hours. His family will receive guests on Saturday, March 1st from 12:30 - 1 pm in St. Anthony's Church, 26 Hammond St. Mattapoisett, followed by his Funeral Mass at 1 pm.

In Jan's memory, please make a donation to the Jimmy V Foundation, 106 Towerview CT, Cary NC 27513 (https://www.v.org/), where 100 percent of the donations are dedicated to cancer research.

Do three things every day - laugh, cry, and think. If you laugh, you think, you cry that's a full day. That's a heck of a day. You do that seven days a week, you're going to have something special. . . .

Don't give up. Don't ever give up. Jim Valvano, March 4, 1993

Arrangements are with the Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home for Funerals, 50 County Rd. (Rt. 6), Mattapoisett. For online guestbook, visit www.saundersdwyer.com.

Blanca Graciela "Chela" Short of Mattapoisett passed away peacefully on Tuesday, February 18, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. She was the wife of Arthur William "Bill" Short, and mother to Natalie M. Short, Carol A. (Short) Lee and husband Robert, Jeffrey W. Short and his wife Kim, and Colleen N. Short and "Abuelita" to Tayler and Brady Lee and Ava and William Short.

Born on April 3, 1942, in Popayan, Colombia, Chela was the daughter of the late Nestor and Delia Cordoba. Chela grew up in Buenaventura, Colombia. She was employed at Banco Cafetero where she then met Bill in 1964 while he was serving in the Peace Corps. She often said that it was "love at first sight". Chela and Bill were married at the Catedral de San Buenaventura in Buenaventura on March 6, 1966. They left Colombia for the United States soon thereafter. She studied and became fluent in English while Bill finished his last year at college in 1967. They lived in Stoneham, MA, and started their family in 1968. She was a wonderful mother and adored her children. Later, they moved to Puerto Rico for a few years and subsequently returned to Stoneham, MA, in 1971. She returned to work in banking as a teller for several years. In 1981, the family moved to Mattapoisett, a small town on the waters of Buzzards Bay. Chela was thrilled to finally live near the ocean, as she had in her childhood days. Family always came first and helping the children with everything made her happy. She also convinced two of her sisters and her brother to live closer. They were busy times as all the connected families celebrated many occasions with dancing and music, especially Colombian music. Chela loved it except when Bill put the music too high!

Chela and Bill shared a love for travel and stayed active with swimming, running, tennis, and gardening. Chela was a beautiful swimmer and truly enjoyed being in the water. She cherished her time with her children and grandchildren. She loved taking Tayler and Brady Lee, who live nearby, to Mattapoisett beaches and the YMCA. Chela and Bill would frequently visit Ava and William Short in Grand Cayman and swim at a seven-mile beach. Nothing brought her more joy than seeing her family together- laughing, enjoying cookouts, eating dinners in the cabana, playing cards, and dancing. She was also a talented cook. Chela's unwavering spirit and deep love for her family were at the heart of who she was.

She was a loving sister to Almir Cordoba (deceased), Carmen Albarracin, Marina Taylor, Arturo Cordoba (deceased), Antonio Cordoba, Teresa Cordoba, Cristina Cordoba, and a dear aunt to Jennifer Leahy and Sandra Gold, Richie Cordoba, and many other nephews and nieces.

She was very close to her sister, Teresa, and enjoyed many happy times at her home in South Deerfield and with her brother, Antonio, in Boston. Chela and her youngest sister, Cristina, started a small business in Marion called, "Little Princess Boutique." They were very talented seamstresses as they sold their handmade children's clothes, First Communion dresses, and other special occasions.

Chela found joy in giving rather than receiving and could intuitively sense when others needed help. Her warmth, kindness, and unconditional love for her family will always be treasured, and her beautiful spirit will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew her.

Her Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, March 8th at 10 am at St. Anthony Church in Mattapoisett. Her family will receive visitors at the Church beginning at 9:30 am. Burial will follow in Cushing Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to the YMCA of New Bedford ( https://ymcasouthcoast.org/ways-to-give/) or to St, Anthony's Parish (www.anthonyandrita.com). For online condolence book, please visit www.saundersdwyer.com.

Sylvia Ann (Jarratt) Knight, 86, beloved wife, mother and friend to many, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family and friends on February 17, 2025 after a long illness.

Sylvia was born on October 13, 1938 in Manchester, UK to George and Eveline Jarratt. She emigrated to the United States on April 11, 1959 along with her lifelong friend, Alwyn Dexter (nee Allinson). She met her husband, the late Wayne C. Knight in Marion, Massachusetts and they were married at St. Gabriel's Church in Marion on December 10, 1960. Their marriage lasted 54 years until Wayne's passing in 2015.

Sylvia worked in administrative and clerical positions for several local companies over the years, culminating with more than 30 years with Cranberry Growers Service of Wareham.

Sylvia was a devoted wife and mother, raising four children together with Wayne. She was a voracious reader, dedicated gardener and she enjoyed various creative hobbies including knitting, crocheting and needlepoint.

She is survived by her four children and their respective spouses: Andrew Knight and his wife Louise of Pepperell, MA, Sarah Kopka and her husband Michael of Manchester, NH, Kathryn Daener her husband Rob of Mattapoisett and Matthew Knight and his wife Paige of Houston, TX. Her grandchildren include Thomas Daener and wife Jennifer, Shannon Knight and husband Tim Barnett, Dylan Knight, Ian Knight and Katherine Knight. She also has two "honorary" children through Alwyn; Karen Dexter and husband Jeff White and Colin Dexter and wife Jo. Sylvia's extended family also includes that of her other dear, longtime friend, Dorothy Antonioli and husband Frank and her third son David Cattley, his wife Susan and family.

She is also survived by her siblings in the UK, Norman Jarratt and wife Kath, Rodney Jarratt and wife Margaret and Hilary Bromley and husband Per.

Sylvia will always be remembered for her "proper" British accent, impish sense of humor and infectious laugh. Also, for her profound loathing of peanut butter (and contrasting, inexplicable fondness for Marmite) and her refusal to handle cats, which she found to be "squishy."

A Celebration of Life will be scheduled and announced at a later date. Arrangements are with the Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home for Funerals, 50 County Rd. (Rt. 6), Mattapoisett. For online guestbook, visit www.saundersdwyer.com.

Barbara A. Thommen, 88, of Mattapoisett died February 11, 2025 unexpectedly at Tobey Hospital.

She was the wife of the late Hans J.U. Thommen.

Born in Portsmouth, Ohio, daughter of the late Harry and Mary (Newman) Sanderson, she lived in Mattapoisett most of her life.

She was formerly employed as a teacher at Gidley Elementary School in Dartmouth for many years until her retirement.

Mrs. Thommen enjoyed quilting, gardening, reading, playing bridge and the company of her cat Katy.

She was a member of the Mattapoisett Woman's Club and Shining Tides Quilting Guild.

Survivors include her step-daughter, Julie Awwad and her husband Mohammad of North Scituate, RI, 6 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren.

She was the step-mother of the late Jeanne Thommen.

Her private Funeral Service was held on Saturday, February 15th in the Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home for Funerals, 50 County Rd. (Rt. 6), Mattapoisett followed by burial in Cushing Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to Mattapoisett Free Public Library or to the Mattapoisett Womans Club. .For online guestbook, visit www.saundersdwyer.com.

James E. Barrett, 80, of Mattapoisett died Monday, February 10, 2025 at St. Luke's Hospital after a period of declining health. He was the husband of Nancy E. (Breton) Barrett, with whom he shared 54 years of marriage.

Born in New Bedford, son of the late Edward and Yvonne (Masse) Barrett, he lived in New Bedford for many years before moving to Mattapoisett.

Jim was a graduate of New Bedford Vocational High School, class of 1963, where he was in the carpentry shop.

He was the proprietor of Barrett Custom Cabinetry for many years. Prior to that, he was employed by Brownell Boat Yard and Wayne Walega of New Design Kitchens.

Jim was a member of The Wampanoag Kennel Club, Pilgrim Doberman Pinscher Club, and The Doberman Pinscher Club of America.

A longtime Doberman Pinscher breeder, his dogs were like children to him. He enjoyed traveling to dog shows with Nancy in their RV, attending family parties, and cooking.

He is survived by his wife, Nancy; 3 brothers, Rene Barrett and his wife Dawne of Easton, Edward Barrett and his wife Evelyn of Lakeville, and Charles Barrett and his wife Cheryl of Dartmouth; 3 sisters, Jeanine Sasseville and her husband Gene of New Bedford, Claire Tellier and her husband John of Norwich, CT, and Celeste Paleologos and her husband Phil of New Bedford; his sisters-in-law, Patti Barrett of Milford and Patricia Nicholson of Mattapoisett; 3 Godchildren, Christine Penny of Milford, Paul Cormier of Acushnet, and Michael Dube of California; Glenn Silva, who was like a son to Jim and Nancy; and many nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his brothers, Marc, Richard, and Roland Barrett.

His Funeral Mass will be held Saturday, March 8, 2025 at 11 am at Holy Name of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Church, 121 Mt. Pleasant St., New Bedford. His family will receive guests at Church from 10-11 am, prior to the Mass. Burial will be held privately at a later date. For online guestbook, visit www.saundersdwyer.com.

Dr. Daniel M. Lomba, Jr., of Marion, MA, passed away on February 8, 2025, at the age of 63 after a courageous battle with ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease).

Dan was a man of passion--devoted to his family, his music, and his pursuit of knowledge. Clever, creative, and unafraid of hard work, he had a fiery spirit and a strong moral compass. He never shied away from conflict but had a way of bringing people together. Even as his body weakened, his spirit remained unbreakable.

Dan grew up on Rezendes Terrace, surrounded by family. As a young man, he developed a deep love for music and became a skilled bassist. He was drawn to artists like Jimi Hendrix, Stevie Wonder, Parliament-Funkadelic, Elton John, The Beatles, Sly & The Family Stone, and Michael Jackson--music with both groove and message. Over the years, he played in countless bands, many with his Uncle Zack. He was a founding member of Tomboy, Beluga Band, Soul on the Edge, and Funk Side Up. Throughout his career, he collaborated with numerous musicians, including Jammin: A Tribute to Bob Marley, Rock 4 Xmas, and John Butcher. Even as his disease made playing more difficult, he adapted through technology, always finding ways to create and compose.

A lifelong scholar, Dan earned his PhD in Economics from Northeastern University and spent decades as a professor, teaching at Harvard University, UMass Dartmouth, Massasoit Community College, and Bridgewater State University, where he was a tenured faculty member and he was Chair of the Economics Department. Known for his unconventional teaching methods and fearless critiques of economic and racial injustice, he pushed his students to think critically and challenge systemic oppression. His community group, Oppressed in the West, sparked vital conversations on inequality and the structures that uphold it.

Dan is survived by his mother, Mary Lomba; his wife, Ana Lomba; his children, Sandro Couto (wife Kayla), Sara Rasmussen (husband Matthew), Taylor Travassos-Lomba, Trevor Travassos-Lomba, and Lucas Travassos-Lomba; and his granddaughters, Corinne Ferreira and Hazel Rasmussen, who lovingly knew him as "Papa." He is also survived by his brother, Manuoel Lomba; his niece, Faith Lomba (son Daniel); and his nephew, Andy Lomba (daughter Audrie). He was predeceased by his father, Daniel Lomba.

Dan was also fortunate to have the support and friendship of Carmella Ciampa, who spent a great deal of time with him in his later years. Her kindness and companionship brought comfort and joy during difficult times.

In the symphony of life, Dan was both a devoted listener and a powerful musician. He observed the world, picked up his bass, and played into the groove--moving people, challenging minds, and leaving behind a lasting legacy of love, music, and justice.

Visiting hours are from 4 to 7 pm on Thursday, February 13, 2025 at Chapman Funerals & Cremations - Wareham, 2599 Cranberry Hwy., Wareham.

His funeral will be held at 9:00 am on Friday, February 14, 2025 from the funeral home, followed by a Funeral Mass at 10:00 am in St. Patrick's Church, 94 High St., Wareham.

For directions or to leave a message of condolence, visit: www.chapmanfuneral.com.

Doris Eleanor (Taber) Grant, 93, passed away peacefully on February 7, 2025 at her home in Marion, MA, surrounded by all three of her children. Doris was born in New Bedford to Lloyd and Helen (Hathaway) Taber on April 8, 1931. She and her husband Robert "Bob" Grant raised their family in Peabody, MA, before returning to the South Coast for their retirement in Marion.

Doris received her undergraduate degree from Northeastern University and a master's degree in Library Science from Simmons College. While living in Boston during her college years, she met her lifelong friend Pauline Schiel and the two traveled across the U.S. and Canada -- shaping her independent spirit and desire for adventure and travel.

Doris began her career as a high school librarian at Silver Lake Regional High School in Pembroke, MA, where she met her husband. She then spent a few years at Melrose High School before settling into her role as lead librarian at Marblehead High School, where she spent the duration of her career. In 1968, Doris, with her husband and young family, chaperoned a group of students living a year abroad in Barcelona, Spain. She was a no-nonsense, but compassionate, guide to many students over the course of her 40-year career.

Doris lived a life full of love and dedication to her family. She and Bob cherished their children and grandchildren and never missed a family milestone, often traveling between Massachusetts and Montana to celebrate events. Family values and traditions were important to Doris and now become her legacy as her family continues those traditions.

Doris was preceded in death by her husband, Robert T. Grant, and her brother, Donald E. Taber.

She is survived by her children, Steven (Karen) Grant of Marion, MA, David (Kiyomi) Grant of Livingston, MT, and Laurie (Tom) Hurley of Mattapoisett, MA. She is also survived by her sister, Ruth (Jim) Taber Bohannon of Needham, MA; nieces, Beth (James) Lee of Dublin, Ireland, and Julie Bohannon of Port Charlotte, FL; and nephew Jay (Kim) Bohannon of Norwich NY. She is further survived by her grandchildren, Katharine T. Grant of Dedham, MA, Ian H. and Kai T. Grant of Bozeman, MT, and Mia H. and Chloe M. Hurley of Mattapoisett, MA, and her great nieces and nephew, Tricia, Ronan, and Saoirse.

Doris will forever be in our hearts and her memory will continue to be a guiding light for her family and friends.

A private family memorial service was held at the Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home for Funerals on Wednesday February 12th. Doris was laid to rest next to her late husband in the Evergreen Cemetery in Marion. For online condolence book, please visit www.saundersdwyer.com.