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.

Christopher John Wallace, 63, of Dartmouth died at St. Luke's Hospital on November 23, 2024 after a massive heart attack.

Christopher was raised in Marion and graduated from Old Rochester Regional High School. He studied architectural engineering at Wentworth Institute of Technology, and went on to design buildings of all types and size in southern New England.

Chris lived in Dartmouth with his fiancee Sarah Ketchel in an historic farmhouse, the former home of Noelie Houle, affectionately known as "The Goat Lady." He was enthralled by the history of the property and took seriously his stewardship of it, the creative restoration of which was in many ways his life's work. His particular skills included building old-fashioned stonewalls and creating Victorian-style decorative shingle work. He was the proud owner of an antique Farmall tractor, which he used to cultivate his large vegetable garden.

Never able to turn away from an animal in need, Christopher had a special love for his dogs and cats, all of whom were rescues. But most of all, Christopher loved people. He had an affinity for older people and a deep appreciation for their individual stories. He grew in knowledge and spiritual wisdom from the range of people he encountered.

Always forward-facing, Chris was filled with hope for the future and eager to bring to fruition his many plans. He was one-of-a-kind, with a quick wit, a wry sense of humor, and a wealth of little-known historical facts. Known for his unique gift giving, Chris delighted in finding one-of-a-kind items for people at antique stores and yard sales. And he was able to make the ultimate gift by donating his liver and kidneys to people in need of life-saving transplants and his heart for medical research so others might benefit.

Chris is survived by his fiance Sarah Ketchel of Dartmouth; his parents Janet and LaVerne Wallace of Marion, MA; brother Gregory Wallace and his husband Craig Sheppard of Seattle, WA; brother Timothy Wallace and his wife Deirdre of Plymouth, MA; brother Andrew and his wife Dawn of Alton, NH; and sister Ann Wallace and her fiance Konstantin Vail of Jersey City, NJ. He was the proud uncle of a dozen nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his beloved pets: dogs Leah and Tucker, and cats Max, Gizmo, and Nora.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, December 14 at 11:30 am at the Friends Meeting House, 103 Marion Road, Mattapoisett, followed by a luncheon and celebration of life at a local private residence (the address will be provided at the service or people can contact Ann Wallace at annwallace409@gmail.com for info). In lieu of sending flowers, the family would love for people to make a donation in Chris's name to Lighthouse Animal Shelter, the wonderful rescue organization in New Bedford where Chris and Sarah adopted their dogs Tip and Leah.

Arrangements are being handled by Saunders-Dwyer Funeral Home in Mattapoisett. For online guestbook, please visit www.saundersdwyer.com

Patricia D. "Pat" (Glennon) Waldron, of Fairhaven, formerly of Wareham, died peacefully, surrounded by her family, in St. Luke's Hospital, New Bedford, on Friday, November 22, 2024. She was 72.

Pat was born in Schenectady, New York, and was the daughter of the late Patrick J. Glennon III and his late wife Thelma (Moore) Glennon and the late Edith (Bowden) Smith and her late husband Frank "Ozzy" Smith.

Pat was raised and educated in Schenectady, New York. She attended the former St. John the Baptist Elementary, graduated from Mt. Pleasant High School, and continued her education at the former McIntosh College in Dover New Hampshire, where she earned her associates degree in travel service.

Pat's career was vast and focused on the service of others. Her first job was working in the cash room of K-Mart. She rose within the company and achieved the position of store manager. Pat retired from K-Mart after 20 years of service. Following K-Mart, Pat delved into the travel industry. Pat later worked as a corporate travel agent, for several corporations in Portsmouth, New Hampshire and Boston until 2003. She developed a love for real estate, so Pat earned her real estate license and worked for various agencies in the Wareham, Marion, and Onset area. Pat's most recent job was working as an office administrator for Paquette Associates of Wareham. Throughout her professional career, Pat loved working for Paquette Associates the most. She was always grateful for the support they showed her.

Pat loved to travel, so it was fitting for her to help other people travel the world as a travel agent. Culture and people were important to Pat, and she enjoyed seeing new places and experiencing new adventures. Her beloved Paris was certainly the place she loved to travel to the most. She also enjoyed traveling around the world to Aruba, the Caribbean, Europe, and Saratoga, New York for race week.

Pat loved animals, especially cats and birds. Having lived in many rural areas throughout her life, wildlife visiting in the backyard was always welcomed by her. In her later years, Pat enjoyed birding with her husband, Ed.

Pat was a quiet and reserved person, though she had a wonderful sense of humor and strong constitution. Pat's lasting impression on the people who knew and loved her will be part of her legacy that continues through all the lives she touched.

Pat's husband and family would like to extend their gratitude for all the care and support given to her. From the staff at South Coast Cancer Center in Fairhaven, Tobey and St. Luke's Hospital staff and teams, ambulance first responders and her most recent employer. Pat's family is sincerely grateful for your professional and tender support.

Pat was the beloved wife of Edward J. Waldron, with whom she shared 32 loving years. She was the aunt of Dustin Waldron of Medway, and Kaitlin Waldron of Los Angeles. Pat was the great-aunt of Riley, Mallori, and Brayden Waldron. She was the sister-in-law of Charles L. and his wife Kathleen (Coakley) Waldron of Medway. Pat is also survived by her adoring cat Gilford, and many loving extended family members and friends.

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to greet the family during the visiting hours on Saturday, December 7, 2024, from 9-11 am in the St. Anthony's Church, 26 Hammond St., Mattapoisett, MA 02739.

Pat's Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, December 7, 2024, at 11 am in St. Anthony's Church, 26 Hammond St., Mattapoisett, MA 02739.

Interment is private.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent in Pat's name to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Pl., Memphis, TN 38105.

See www.Keohane.com for online condolences and directions.