Ilda (Santos) DePina, 82, of Fairhaven was called home October 6, 2011 to be with Jesus for eternity. She passed at home after a long illness, surrounded by her loving family.
She was the wife of the late Lewis E. DePina. They enjoyed 52 years of true love and marriage.
Born and raised in New Bedford, the daughter of the late Sebastian and Mary (Gonsalves) Santos, she lived in Fairhaven for the last 52 years.
Ilda was formerly employed by St. Luke's Hospital, providing both bedside and home health nursing support. During her 50 years of service she was often specifically requested by staff and patients. Her skills and personality earned that preference.
She was an active parishioner of Our Lady of the Assumption Church.
Ilda enjoyed word games and was a Scrabble champion, an entertaining and masterful storyteller. Wherever Ilda was present so was joy and laughter. Her greatest joy was her grandchildren, Casey, JR and Marissa.
Survivors include 2 daughters, Marie Almeida of Fairhaven and Leslie DePina of Atlanta, GA. She was predeceased by her only son, Lewis E. "Poncho" DePina, Jr. She is also survived by 2 sisters, Matilda Roderick of Falmouth and Shirley Silva of New Bedford; 3 grandchildren, Casey, JR and Marissa; 5 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
She was the sister of the late Anna Dash, Adelaide Gilmette, Vivian Silva, Joseph Santos and Sebastian Santos, Jr.
Funeral from the Saunders-Dwyer Home For Funerals, 495 Park St. New Bedford Tuesday, October 11th at 8 AM. Funeral Mass at Our Lady of the Assumption Church at 9 AM. Burial will follow in Acushnet Cemetery. Visiting hours will be on Monday, October 10th from 4-8 PM.