Helena Mary Ponte

Born in New Bedford, a daughter of the late Charles and Margaret (Dugay) Marshall she was a lifelong area resident.

Mrs. Ponte worked as an assembler at Aerovox and she also worked at Sippican, Inc. She enjoyed BINGO and going to Foxwoods and Atlantic City. Helena devoted her life to her beloved family and caring for animals.

She is survived by her children, Joseph Ponte, Jr. of Acushnet and Margaret Villa of New Bedford; three grandchildren, Ashley Villa, Jamie Ponte, and Tracy Graveson; five great grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. She was the mother of the late Kenneth C. and Robert Ponte and the sister of the late Raymond, George, Charles, Albert, Dorothy and Edmond Marshall and Lillian Duval.

Her family would like to thank the wonderful staff at Our Lady’s Haven and Southcoast Hospice for the kind and gentle treatment of Helena. They were all wonderful.

Her funeral service will be Thursday, January 14, 2016 at 11 am in the ROCK FUNERAL HOME, 1285 Ashley Blvd., New Bedford. Burial will follow in Rural Cemetery, Dartmouth St., New Bedford. Visitation will be prior to the service from 10-11 am.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Humane Society & Shelter, 31 Ventura Dr., Dartmouth, MA 02747. www.rock-funeralhome.com for online tribute/directions.