NEW BEDFORD -- Miriam Estelle (Prioulx) Refuse, 81, of New Bedford died Tuesday, May 3, 2005, at St. Luke's Hospital. She was the widow of Gordon A. Refuse.
Born in Dartmouth, she was the daughter of the late William and Lillian (Swain) Prioulx. She grew up in Padanaram Village. As a teenager, she moved with her family to New Bedford and was a graduate of New Bedford High School's class of 1940.
She was a buyer in the sportswear department of Star Store for many years, making many trips to the New York garment district for clothing. In later years, she was the assistant manager of the Outlet Store.
Mrs. Refuse was a member of the Old North Congregational Church in downtown New Bedford. She enjoyed gardening, traveling and working on jigsaw puzzles and crossword puzzles. She was a lover of animals.
Survivors include a niece, Marcia Pacheco, and her husband, Paul R., of New Bedford; and a grandniece, Beth Brum and her husband, Nelson, of New Bedford.
Private funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Wilson Chapel, 479 County St. Burial will be in Oak Grove Cemetery, New Bedford, Ma.