NEW BEDFORD — Beatrice (Perry) Leclair, 94, of New Bedford, died peacefully at home on Thursday, August 18, 2011. She was the widow of Joseph A. Leclair and the companion for many years of the late Roland I. Isabelle.
Mrs. Leclair was a daughter of the late Manual Franklin and Aurora (Rodrigues) Perry. She was born in Fairhaven and had lived most of her life in New Bedford. She was predeceased by five siblings: M. Franklin Perry II, Evelyn Conery, Lillian Kamionek, Dorothy Prentiss, and Helen Perry.
Mrs. Leclair was a social worker for the New Bedford Welfare Department until her retirement. She brightened every room she entered. Her love of life was seen in her friendships, card playing, traveling, cooking, reading and her support of the Boston Red Sox.
She is survived by two daughters, Joan M. Cotter and her husband, Richard of Mattapoisett and Susan J. Leclair and her husband, James Griffith of Dartmouth. She is also survived by her grandchildren: Jennifer Niden, Thomas Cotter, and Kimberly A. Griffith, in addition to 7 great-grandchildren: Adam, Matthew, Mark, Michala Niden and Abigale, Jonathan, and Dylan Griffith; as well as several nieces and nephews. She leaves her close friend and neighbor, Joseph Xavier who was a great comfort to her these past years.
Visiting hours are Sunday, August 21st from 4-7 P.M. in the Wilson Chapel, 479 County St., New Bedford. Her funeral will be on Monday from the funeral home at 8 A.M., followed by a Mass at 9 A.M. in St. Anthony of Padua Church, 1359 Acushnet Ave., New Bedford. Burial in Sacred Heart Cemetery#2.