Dorothy Almeida

Dottie was born “Mathilda Dorothee Jeanne LaPerriere” on May 25, 1922, to Arthur J. LaPerriere and Eliza (Souliere) LaPerriere, in New Bedford. She graduated from Sacred Heart School in 1937 and then attended St. Anthony of Padua High School. In 1939, she began working for Acushnet Process Company (later became Acushnet Rubber Co.) and continued to work there until 1975. She was a life-long resident of New Bedford until moving to Lakeville in 2002.

In 1974 on Valentine’s Day, Dottie married the love of her life, Frank Almeida. They shared a beautiful life together running Almeida’s Market on Brock Avenue, enjoying community events, and traveling as much as possible. Dottie was very creative and spent many hours creating hand-knit gifts and decorating cakes. She tried all types of handwork, much of it on display and sold at Frank’s store. In addition, Dottie learned hairdressing and was able to maintain a small side business as well as helping family and friends with haircuts and sets. Over her lifetime, Dottie used her skills as much as possible to help the less fortunate. She and Frank enjoyed 29 years of marriage until his death in 2003.

Dottie is survived by two sisters, Marguerite V. Bouchard Broady of Albany, New York, and Therese M. Dufour of Schenectady, New York. She is also survived by her devoted niece and Godchild, Dorothy Bouchard Szypulski of Louisburg, North Carolina, and many nieces and nephews. Besides her husband and parents, she is predeceased by three brothers, Arthur J. LaPerriere, Jr., Conrad A. LaPerriere (Therese) and Leopold R. LaPerriere (Jeannette), and a sister, Bertha LaPerriere.

Dottie was able to enjoy her final years because of the devoted and caring staff at The Hannah B.G. Shaw Home. If possible, please make a donation in Dottie’s name to www.theshawhome.org.

The funeral will be private. Arrangements by Rock Funeral Home, 1285 Ashley Blvd., New Bedford, MA 02745. For on-line tributes: www.rock-funeralhome.com