Bernice Laliberte

She was the daughter of the deceased Mary Pacheco. She loved her mother and her aunt, Georgiana Pacheco dearly. She cared for them with love and devotion.

She married Edmund Michael Laliberte on a cold, rainy day, November 7, 1953 at Mount Carmel Church. Rain is normally not desired for a wedding but she said it meant good luck on a wedding day and she felt she was lucky to be marrying Eddie.

They were married for 30 years until his death in 1983. She missed him so much when he died. She continued to take care of his mother which led to several interesting moments.

She is survived by three children, Joyce M. Laliberte, Michael Laliberte and Kris Laliberte; seven grandchildren, Benjamin, Becky and Tessa Laliberte, Eric, Patrick, Daniel and Ed Livingstone; several great grandchildren; and her niece, Sandra Henriques and her husband Marty.

She worked at Cameo Curtains, Arlan’s department store and as a waitress for the Days Inn. Her waitress job was something she really liked. She was good at it and she had lots of fun with her coworkers and regular dining guests.

She was a communicant of St. Julie’s Church in Dartmouth where she would be present about 45 minutes prior to mass. She wanted to make sure she got a specific pew and if her daughter picked her up late, she made it known that her pew was probably taken.

Her love of books was her favorite hobby. She was a regular at the Buttonwood Library and Dartmouth Library, often reserving a book before it even reached the library. She could finish a book in no time at all. She spent many happy hours losing herself in a good book.

One of the greatest joys of her life was taking care of Tessa, Ben and Becky Laliberte, three of her grandchildren and a great niece, Tori. They brought joy, happiness and purpose to her life and she showered them with unending patience, love, and devotion! She adored them and was proud of them. I believe they enjoyed being with her as much as she loved being part of their lives.

One of my mother’s best friends was Josephine Sullivan who lived across the street from her until her death many years ago. My mother could often be found there with Jo smoking a cigarette or having a cup of coffee with her. She could also find Eddie there when he went to help Jo with a small task and then was unable to leave because Jo talked endlessly. That is when she sent one of her children over to fetch Eddie back. And he had better return before the dinner was cold!

Bernice was a homebody and that was where she was happiest. Due to illness, she lived at Catholic Memorial for several months. It became her home. She met many people there who were kind, patient, compassionate and loving towards her. We, her children, are forever grateful. You made her last days as good as they could be. Thank you.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Julie’s Church and Catholic Memorial Home.

Her Funeral Services will be private. Arrangements are in the care of Rock Funeral Home, 1285 Ashley Blvd., New Bedford. For online tributes, please visit: www.rock-funeralhome.com