Elsie E. (Gonsalves) Croker, 93, of New Bedford died Sunday October 11, 2009 at Taber Street Nursing Home. She was the wife of the late Charles H. Croker, Jr.
Born in New Bedford, the daughter of the late Joseph J. and Mary (Nelson) Gonsalves, she lived in New Bedford all of her life.
She attended Dartmouth Bible Church.
Elsie enjoyed gardening, antiquing and going for rides in the country enjoying the beauty. An avid reader, she loved her books, especially reading about history. Biographies and mysteries were among her favorites.
Her greatest source of joy, love and comfort was being with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She was loved and will be missed by all of them.
Survivors include five daughters, Kathleen Marginson and Janice McFadden, both of New Bedford, Rosemary Alves of Dartmouth, Roberta Toppin of Texas, and Elizabeth Thurmon of Louisiana; a sister, Lillian Soares of Acushnet; 16 grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren; a niece and several nephews.
She was the mother of the late Joseph Vincent, Gilbert Dean, and Linda May.
A private funeral service was held on Wednesday at Rural Cemetery. Arrangements were by the Saunders-Dwyer Home for Funerals, 495 Park St., New Bedford. For online condolence book, please visit www.saundersdwyer.com.