Janice H. (Arruda) Costa, 75, of New Bedford, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her family on Saturday, February 22, 2014, after a courageous battle with pulmonary hypertension. She was the wife of the late Angelo Costa; they were married for 54 years.
Born in New Bedford, the daughter of the late Joseph and Eva (Coutu) Arruda, she resided in New Bedford all of her life.
After an exemplary career as a homemaker and Mom, Janice worked as City Council Clerk for the City of New Bedford for 14 years, retiring in 1996. She was a staunch supporter and cheerleader of everything New Bedford. She loved reading, watching movies, playing continental rummy, baking, dancing and especially birthday parties. Nothing brought her more joy than being with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Janice is fondly remembered for her kitchen table diplomacy. Her door was always open to family and friends for discreet conversation, tough love, and jovial, fun, insightful banter.
She is survived by her daughter, Jill M. DaCosta and her husband Ed of New Bedford; her two sons, Kevin A. Costa and his wife Linda of Fairhaven, and Peter Costa of New Bedford; her brother, Jeffrey Arruda and his wife Carol of New Bedford; 9 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, an aunt and an uncle.
Janice was predeceased by her brothers, Joseph Arruda, Jr. and Paul Arruda, her sister Carol Arruda Hardy, her step-son Angelo Costa, Jr., and her loving daughter-in-law and friend Helen Costa.
In accordance with her wishes she will be cremated. A Celebration of Her Life will be held on Saturday, March 8, 2014 at 2 PM in the Saunders-Dwyer Home for Funerals, 495 Park St., New Bedford. Her family will receive visitors from 12-2PM prior to the Celebration. In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to Community Nurse & Hospice Care, P.O. Box 751, Fairhaven, MA 02719 (www.communitynurse.com). For online guestbook, please visit www.saundersdwyer.com.