Joanne (Silva) Rapoza, 73, of New Bedford died Wednesday April 7, 2004 at St. Luke's Hospital after a long illness. She was the wife of the late John Rapoza.
Born in New Bedford, the daughter of the late Clarence and Anna (Rose) Silva, she had lived in New Bedford all of her life.
She was formerly employed at Cornell-Dubilier Electronics until her retirement.
Mrs. Rapoza loved her cats and trips to Foxwoods. She enjoyed playing Bingo and shopping, and most of all, she loved spending time with her family.
Survivors include 4 sons, David J. Rapoza, and his wife Darlene, Stephen M. Rapoza, John Rapoza and his girlfriend Lisa Morgado, and Kenneth J. Rapoza, and his fiancée Paula Casey, all of New Bedford; a daughter, Toni A. Carvalho, and husband Jorge, of Dartmouth; a brother, Clarence Silva of New Bedford; a sister, Barbara Frates of Fairhaven; 13 grandchildren; 7 great-grandchildren; and several nephews.
She was the mother of the late Robert W. Rapoza.
Funeral from the Saunders-Dwyer Home for Funerals, 495 Park St., New Bedford, Monday April 12, 2004 at 10 AM.Funeral Mass at St. James Church at 11 AM.Relatives and friends are invited to attend. Visiting hours will be on Sunday April 11, 2004 from 5-8 PM. Burial in Cushing Cemetery, Mattapoisett, will be private.