Florence Pontes

Florence (Gaspar) Pontes, 100, of Catholic Memorial Home, 2446 Highland Ave., Fall River, formerly of Hebb St., Somerset, died Dec. 31, 2011 at the home. She was the wife of the late Joseph Pontes.

Born in Fall River, MA, she was a daughter of the late Antone and Guilhermina "Katie" (Moniz) Gaspar; she lived most of her life in Somerset. Mrs. Pontes was devoted to her family and church. She raised her children on her own after the loss of her husband and ensured that they always came first.

Before retiring, Mrs. Pontes worked as a hatter for many years at the former Wiedeman Hat. She later worked part-time at Korber Hat and Enos Hat.

She is survived by two daughters, Nancy Menard (Husband Stephen) of Tiverton, RI and Marguerite Gagnon (Husband Paul) of Somerset, MA; a son, Joseph Pontes (Wife Regina) of GA; a sister, Hilda Soares of Bristol, RI; two brothers, George Gaspar of Fall River and Raymond Gaspar of Cleveland, GA; seven grandchildren; several great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. She was the grandmother of the late Robert Cote.

Private arrangements were by the OLIVEIRA FUNERAL HOME, 215 Columbia St. Burial was in St. Patrick's Cemetery.