Philomena C. (Santos) Sbardella, 88, of New Bedford, passed away at Saint Luke’s Hospital on Tuesday, March 30, 2021, surrounded by her loving family.
She was the wife of the late Pasquale E. Sbardella, they had been married for 57 years. She was the daughter of Joseph and Mary (Amaral) Santos. Born, raised, and lived in New Bedford for most of her life.
While not busy raising her family she worked as a registered nurse. She loved being a mother, grandmother, great grandmother, Minga, TiTia and Weeble!
The Sbardella house was open to all, and she made sure it became home for everyone (neighbors, friends, and every pet imaginable!) It was always the place to be!
She is survived by her 5 children: Susan, Tony & his wife Cheryl, Paul & his wife Barbara, Ria & her husband David Clough, Teresa & her husband Blaine Trockman; Her 5 grandchildren: Anthony Jr & his wife Heather, Keven, Christopher Barros & his fiancée Jamie Caldas, Emmitt Trockman & his fiancée Celeste Winter, Kebbie Stephenson & her husband Kyle Duarte; Her great grandchildren: Jillian & her fiancée Raven Fournier, Morgan, Bailey, Corey and Emily, She was also excitedly awaiting the birth of twin great grandsons; Cecil & Cyrus Barros. She is also survived by her brother, Joseph Santos & his wife Carol, her brother-in-law Thomas Rocha; And her nieces & nephew; Carlene (& Andre), Ann Marie (& Gary), Diane (& Tim), Louise, Marion (& Jeff), Katherine, Joseph (&Lucy), Bernadette, and honorary son, John Jennings. She was pre-deceased by her sister Hilda T. Rocha.
She loved all animals, especially her GrandPets; Ralph, Maximus, Harley, Chunk, Wentz, Goose, Sugar, Thunder, Wicket, and Marsin.
“Mother Phillie” had many names and nicknames because she was so many things to all who loved her.
“Ma Sbardella” put her nursing skills to good use tending to ailments, not just for her children but for the entire neighborhood while also keeping all of us in Iine with her no nonsense attitude.
“Philomena” enjoyed spending time at Camp Dennen, welcoming everyone to Site 52, where strangers became family, and everyone was fed, looked after and loved gathered around the campfire.
“Ti Tia” loved cooking for and feeding her family and friends; from clam boils to huge Wednesday night spaghetti dinners and everything in between - no matter how many “dings” the food took to be ready.
“Minga” will be remembered for making Easter cakes by the dozens with her husband,(and later with her daughters) and sustaining other family traditions such as the Feast of the Seven Fishes on Christmas Eve.
“Grandma” enjoyed writing good old fashioned letters and, loved sending greeting cards. Recently she “mastered” Skype and Facebook Portal to keep in touch with her son Paul and her BFF JillJill. As the year of quarantine set in she relied on the Portal pictures to keep her entertained.
“Weebs” delighted so many with her daily Facebook videos, and quickly became a superstar. Of course, in usual “Weeble” fashion she easily warmed the hearts of her ever growing fan base.
“Mom” loved puzzles and games, especially “cheating” at Rummy. “First things first”! She was a talented crafter (sewing, knitting, making annual Christmas ornaments, and trying her hand at any and all crafts she found in the magazines she subscribed to). She was happiest when doing crafts with family members and sharing her knowledge and skills.
“GrammaMena” was obsessed with Kodo, the recently born red panda at Buttonwood Park Zoo. She was his biggest fan which is why, in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Kodo/care of the Buttonwood Park Zoological Society at www.bpzoo.org/donate/ and in the honorary box, please indicate “Weeble”. Or send a donation to the Zoo, notating her name.
Her Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, 230 Bonney St , New Bedford on Friday April 16th at 10:30 am. Burial will be private.
Please be advised that due to the Covid-19 pandemic, there are strict guidelines that must be adhered to for the safety of everyone. You MUST wear a mask to be allowed entry to the services. Please practice social distancing and avoid any close contact.