Jocelyne M. Tapper, 83. Jocelyne used to say that she “opened and closed” a great many eyes in her career as both a maternity nurse and a nursing home supervisor. She cared, lovingly, for those on both ends of the spectrum of life, from birth to death.
After receiving her nursing degree from St. Anne’s Nursing School in Fall River, MA, Jocelyne began her career by helping birth countless babies at Wesson Women’s Hospital in Springfield. She also worked for many years in the maternity ward of St. Luke’s in New Bedford, comforting laboring Moms and welcoming beautiful new babies into the world.
Later working at Our Lady’s Haven in Fairhaven and Sippican Healthcare in Marion, Jocelyne was particularly devoted to maintaining the dignity of the elderly residents in her care.
Returning to Our Lady’s Haven as a resident several years ago, Jocelyne was cared for by many of the nurses and aides with whom she had worked for almost 30 years. They attended her lovingly and compassionately—especially in her final days, returning the gift of end-of-life care that Jocelyne had so generously and graciously bestowed on so many in her nursing career.
Passing on March 30, 2021 at the age of 83, Jocelyne will, from her joy-filled heavenly vantage, now watch over those who remain, including her twin “boys” Mark and John Tapper of Vermont and their wives Susannah and Sarah; her daughters Michele Tapper-Racine and her husband Richard of Fairhaven and Evelyn Davilla of Waterford, Connecticut. Jocelyne is predeceased by her son, Matthew Tapper. Jocelyne’s sister, Suzanne Walter and her husband Robert of Virginia will miss the frequent visits to the Southcoast to spend time with Jocelyne in her beloved village of Mattapoisett.
Jocelyne is now guardian angel to her nine grandchildren, their spouses, and partners and her eight great-grandchildren.
Proud of her family ties to the Letendre and Payette clans, Jocelyne leaves behind many cousins with whom she shared some amazing adventures, numerous nieces, and nephews, and so many beloved friends.
In remembrance of Jocelyne’s spirit, be sure to spend that extra time rocking and singing to those babies, be sure to hold an elderly hand, and offer peace and comfort to those who may be alone.
The Liturgy of the Word and Final Commendation will be held on Thursday April 1, 2021 at 10 AM at Holy Name of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Church, 121 Mt. Pleasant St., New Bedford. The service will also be live-streamed at www.whalingcitycatholics.org. for those unable to attend in person. Burial will follow in Notre Dame Cemetery, Fall River. Visiting hours will be on Wednesday March 31, 2021 from 5-7 PM at the Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home for Funerals, 50 County Road, Route 6, Mattapoisett. Due to the current pandemic, you must wear a mask and practice social distancing. For online condolence book, please visit www.saundersdwyer.com.
