Doreen "Dee" Davenport

Born in New Bedford, a daughter of the late John H. and Elsie (Farnworth) Davenport, she was a lifelong resident of the South End of the city, and received her LPN from the former Pondville School of Nursing.

She began her career as a Dietary Aide for St. Luke’s Hospital. Following Nursing School she was an LPN for 38 years at St. Luke’s Hospital, working on the Hathaway Ward and Knowles surgical floor.

A loving, kind person, she was a caregiver to many and a friend to all. Dee had an incredible sense of humor which she imparted towards all people and situations- both happy and sad! She believed that laughter is the best medicine. Dee loved animals, was an avid reader and a committed red sox fan. An amateur writer, she published a book of her own poems and sketches - “Of Earth and Sky”. She had a beautiful singing voice, enjoyed sunsets, kayaking, travelling, and most recently going to Foxwoods.

A spiritual person, Dee was a member and Senior Warden at St. Martin’s Episcopal Church in New Bedford where she also sang in the choir. Dee sent birthday cards to all members of the church, made regular visits to those who were sick or shut in and was the Secretary of the Church’s Over the Hill Gang. She was the first female lay reader in Massachusetts.

Surviving in addition to her spouse, “Libby”: two daughters: Kim L. Perry and her husband Arnold J. “Skip” Perry of New Bedford, Erin Lariviere of New Bedford, one son: Scott Lariviere and his wife Kelly of Fairhaven and three grandchildren whom she adored: Matthew S. Lariviere, Lauren D. Pineau and Korri Esteves and several cousins.

A Celebration of Her Life will be held Friday, August 24, 2012, at 10 AM in St. Martin’s Episcopal Church, 136 Rivet St. New Bedford. Visiting hours Thursday 4-7PM in the WARING-SULLIVAN HOME OF MEMORIAL TRIBUTE AT DARTMOUTH, 230 Russells Mills Rd. Dartmouth. Contributions in her honor may be made to St Martin’s Episcopal Church, P.O. Box 40148 New Bedford, MA 02744. Burial in Riverside Cemetery in Fairhaven. Directions, tributes: www.waring-sullivan.com