Donna A. Bernard-Santos, age 52, passed away unexpectedly Wednesday, December 3, 2008. She was the daughter of the late Donald R. and Barbara C. Bernard.
She was raised in Fairhaven and later moved to the town of Mattapoisett.
She is survived by two children, Chad T. Santos and Anne-Margaret Saucier of Mattapoisett; three sisters, Cathy L. Bernard and her partner Lilia Cabral, Kim M. DeTerra and her husband Brian, and Christine B. Riding and her husband Michael, all of Fairhaven; a niece, Audra L. Riding of Fairhaven; and a nephew, Kyle B. Riding of No. Quincy; as well as aunts, uncles and cousins. She was the former wife of James A. Santos of Mattapoisett, with whom she remained best friends. She was the companion of the late Richard P. Saucier, Sr.
Donna was a graduate of Fairhaven High School, class of "74", and later attended nursing school where she obtained her license as a Practical Nurse. She was formerly employed as a teller at the National Bank of Fairhaven, and in later years, as a Licensed Practical Nurse for St. Luke's Hospital, Falmouth OB-GYN, and Bridgewater State Hospital.
She was a cancer survivor who was involved in the American Cancer Society and Relay for Life. Donna enjoyed spending her leisure time near the ocean where she found great solace. She had a passion for classic movies, especially the "Wizard of Oz", as Donna felt there were truly "no place like home". Donna had a kind heart and caring spirit, and was especially fond of her two animals, "Cocoa" and "Gizmo". She will be greatly missed by family and friends. "We love you Donna".
Her Memorial Mass will be celebrated on Thursday at 9 AM at St. Joseph's Church, Fairhaven. Burial will follow in Riverside Cemetery. Visiting hours will be on Wednesday from 5-8 PM at the Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home for Funerals, 50 County Rd., Route 6, Mattapoisett. For directions and guestbook, please visit www.saundersdwyer.com.