Elsie (Oliveira) Balestracci Lawless, 77, of New Bedford died October 16, 2004 at St. Luke's Hospital after a long illness.
She was the wife of Donald J. Lawless and the late Baptiste Balestracci,and daughter of the late John and Elsie (Sylvia) Oliveira.
Mrs. Lawless was born in New Bedford and had lived in New Bedford for all of her life. She was a graduate of New Bedford High School.
She was a communicant of St. Francis of Assisi Church, where she was a member of the Women's League and a former member of the choir.
Mrs. Lawless was formerly employed as a teacher's aide with the New Bedford Public School Department.
She was a former member of the YMCA.
Survivors include her husband; 2 daughters, Gina Balestracci of Montclair, New Jersey, Kathryn Balestracci of Cranston, R.I. 3 step-daughters, Joyce Hubbard and Jane Lent, both of New Bedford, and Janet Allain of Mattapoisett; a sister, Ann R. Frates of Fairhaven; 7 grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
She was the brother of the late George P. Oliveira.
Funeral from the Saunders-Dwyer Home for Funerals, 495 Park St., New BedfordWednesday, October 20th at 9 AM.Funeral Mass at St. Francis of Assisi Church at 10 AM.Relatives and friends are invited to attend.
Visiting hours Tuesday, October 19th from 4-8 PM.
Interment St. Mary's Cemetery.