Jeanne M. Despres

Jeanne was the beloved wife of the late Marcel G. Despres, with whom she shared 59 devoted years of marriage. Born in New Bedford, she was the daughter of the late Joseph A. and Pamela M. (Fortin) Bedard.

A graduate of St. Anthony High School, Jeanne worked for many years as a bookkeeper for the New Bedford Public Schools Food Service Department. She was known for her deep love of family, unwavering faith, and the warmth she brought into the lives of everyone around her.

Jeanne enjoyed reading and cooking, but her greatest joy came from caring for her family. She lived for her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, creating cherished memories through Sunday dinners, holiday traditions, and special outings. Thanksgiving was especially meaningful, as her grandchildren would sleep over the night before and wake early to help stuff “the bird,” a tradition they will carry with them always.

Her family remembers fondly the many adventures she shared with her grandchildren, including trips to Ma's Donuts, Pa Raffa's, Friendly's, and performances at the Zeiterion Performing Arts Center. Jeanne was a gifted storyteller whose love knew no limits, especially when it came to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. A woman of profound faith, she attended church faithfully throughout her life. Even through her struggles with dementia, she never forgot her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, a testament to the depth of her love.

She is survived by her loving children, Douglas Despres of New Bedford, Denise Dufour and her husband Jerry of Bristol, and Michelle Silva of Lakeville; her six cherished grandchildren, Katelyn Lauzon and her husband Joe, Andrew Silva, Elise Augustine and her husband Zachary, Michael Silva and his wife Alicia, Rev. Phillip Dufour, and Harrison Silva and his fiancée Katie Genirs; and her seven adored great-grandchildren, Joey, Jakie, Christian, Zachary, Mason, Camille, and Charlie. She also leaves her sister-in-law, Muriel Doherty and her husband Paul of Ooltewah, along with several nieces and nephews.

Jeanne was the sister of the late Paul Bedard and Theresa White.

Her family extends a heartfelt thank you to the compassionate staff of the St. Joseph Unit at Sacred Heart Nursing Home for their exceptional care and kindness.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30a.m. in the Hall of St. Theresa Church, 265 Stafford Road, Tiverton, RI, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00a.m. in the church. Burial in Sacred Heart Cemetery in New Bedford.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Jeanne’s memory may be made to Sacred Heart Nursing Home, 359 Summer Street, New Bedford, MA 02740.

Online condolences may be shared through Rock Funeral Home, 1285 Ashley Blvd., New Bedford, MA 02745. www.rock-funeralhome.com