Barbara Elaine Souza

Born in New Bedford, she was the daughter of the late Edward and Cecelia (Miesczcenski) Ponichtera.

Barbara was a graduate of New Bedford High School and earned an Associates Degree from Bryant University, class of 1963. She worked as a Medical Secretary in her earlier years, and later worked as a Clerk at the Fairhaven Town Hall for many years until her retirement.

She had a love for football, traveling, playing golf, and belonged to the Colonial Club, Fairhaven Music Parents, PTO, and taught the girls soccer team. Spending time with her friends and family was very important, and she will be deeply missed.

Survivors in addition to her husband Richard, are her sons, Geoffrey Souza and Christopher Souza, both of Fairhaven; her only granddaughter, Sophie Souza of Fairhaven; her brother, Allen Ponichtera and his wife Gail of New Bedford, and several nieces and nephews.

Her funeral will be held on Monday, August 14, 2023 at 9:00am from the WARING-SULLIVAN HOME AT FAIRLAWN MORTUARY, followed by her Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00am in St. Mary’s Church, 440 Main St. Fairhaven. Visitation will be held on Sunday, August 13, 2023 from 5:00 – 8:00pm in the WARING-SULLIVAN HOME AT FAIRLAWN MORTUARY, 180 Washington St., Fairhaven, MA 02719. For online tributes visit www.waring-sullivan.com