Shirley R. Arsenault, 78 of Dartmouth died October 28, 2019 peacefully at home after a long illness surrounded by her family.
Born in New Bedford, daughter of the late Gilbert Almeida and Mary C. (Costa) Mello, she lived in New Bedford before moving to Dartmouth.
She was formerly employed as one of the first female police officers with the City of New Bedford and served for 20 year until her retirement. She later was employed by Wells Fargo Armored.
She enjoyed, spending time with her children and grandchildren, trips to the casino and the company of her granddog Max.
Survivors include her 2 sons, Thomas J. Arsenault, Jr. of Dartmouth and Jeffrey Arsenault and his wife Sharon of New Bedford; a daughter, Christine Vaughan and her husband Robert of New Bedford; 2 brothers, Michael Almeida of Fairhaven and Gilbert Almeida, Jr. of North Providence; 2 sisters, Linda Pierce of Dartmouth and Patricia Fredette of New Bedford; 4 grandchildren, Raymond Souza, Jeffrey Arsenault, Jr., Chelsea Barnes and Brittny Arsenault; a great-granddaughter, Ivy; and several nieces and nephews.
She was the sister of the late Raymond Almeida.
Her Funeral will be held on Saturday, November 2nd at 8:15 AM from the Saunders-Dwyer Home for Funerals, 495 Park St., New Bedford, followed by her Funeral Mass at St. Mary’s Church, New Bedford at 9:30 AM. Burial will follow in Pine Grove Cemetery. Visiting hours will be on Friday, November 1st from 4-8 PM.