Patricia Ann Souza

Patricia Ann (DeCicco) Souza, 79, of New Bedford, passed away Sunday, April 11, 2021 after a brief illness. She shared 46 years of marriage with the late John Souza, Jr. and was the daughter of the late Pat and Mae (Corrigan) DeCicco.

Born in New Bedford, she was a graduate of New Bedford High School and Bridgewater State College (Class of 1963). She worked for the New Bedford School Department as an elementary school teacher for 22 years until her retirement. She loved teaching and often said teaching was her life.

She cherished her family most of all. She was happiest in her home surrounded by her children and grandchildren.

Patricia is survived by three children, Pamela Souza and husband Tony Colaneri of Evanston, IL, Melissa Souza Cowles and fiance Peter Ashworth of New Bedford, Timothy Souza and wife Karen Souza of Fairhaven; and five grandchildren, Ashley Cowles, Andrew Souza, Lauren Souza, Anna Colaneri and Grace Colaneri; and two nephews Geoffrey Souza and Christopher Souza of Fairhaven.

Services will be private through Rock Funeral Home, 1285 Ashley Blvd., New Bedford, MA 02745.

Donations in Patricia's memory can be made to The Humane Society and Shelter SouthCoast, 31 Ventura Drive, North Dartmouth, MA 02747. www.hsssc.org