NEW BEDFORD -- Vivian Lorraine (Gonsalves) Wilkinson, age 96 years, formerly of Bedford Street, New Bedford, died Monday, October 30, 2006, at New Bedford Jewish Convalescent Home after period of declining health. She was the wife of the late Elmer L. Wilkinson.
Born in New Bedford, she was the daughter of the late Theodore and Mary (Borges) Gonsalves and lived in this community all of her life.
Mrs. Wilkinson was a graduate of New Bedford High School and Kinyon Business School. In earlier years she was employed by the New England Telephone Company as a telephone operator and subsequently became a ward clerk at St. Luke's Hospital. A member of Grace Episcopal Church and the Episcopal Church Women, she loved to sew, cook and knit and was especially close to her family.
Mother of the late Paul L. Wilkinson, she is survived by her son, Richard Arnold of Palmer, Ma.; her grandson, Dennis Wilkinson of Dover, N.H.; her granddaughter, Linda Esposito of Warren, R.I., great grandchildren, Matthew and Andrea Wilkinson; great grandchildren, Paul Southworth and Stefani Esposito; nephew, Albert Gonsalves of Fairhaven and Richard Crow of New Hampshire; several cousins; and her longtime friend and caretaker, Kathy Demers of New Bedford.
Visitation at funeral home on Wed, 4-7 P.M. Her funeral will take place on Thursday, November 2nd, at 11 A.M. in Grace Episcopal Church, 422 County St. NB, followed by burial in Rural Cemetery. www.wilsonchapel.net
Arrangements are with the Wilson Chapel, 479 County St., New Bedford, Ma.