Philomena Arruda

PHILOMENA (FREITAS) ARRUDA, 97, of Dartmouth and formerly of New Bedford, passed away, Thursday, September 19, 2013, peacefully surrounded by her loving family at Brandon Woods in Dartmouth. She was the wife of the late Anthony Arruda.

Born in New Bedford, a daughter of the late Avelino and Maria (de Jesus) Freitas, she was a life-long resident of the area.

Mrs. Arruda was an Assembler for John I. Paulding Company for 44 years before retiring. She was a member of the New Bedford Panther’s Club and St. Mary’s Couple’s Club. She was also an avid gardener and bingo player. She enjoyed being with her family, especially her grandchildren and great grandchildren.

She is survived by one daughter, Diane M. Larkin and her husband Robert of Rochester; two sons, Anthony Arruda Jr. and his wife Rita of New Bedford and David Arruda and his wife Wilma of Manomet; nine grandchildren, Peter Larkin, Jonathon Larkin, Michael Larkin, Kathryn Larkin-Sweeney, Thomas Arruda, Susan Arruda-Balicky, Patrick Adams, Faith Adams and Meredith Arruda; thirteen great grandchildren; one brother, John Freitas of Connecticut; two sisters, Agnes Rua of Acushnet and Sally Gouveia of California and several nieces and nephews.

She was also the sister of the late Mary Fernandes, Antone, Louis, Manuel, Joseph, Avelino and Charles Freitas.

Mrs. Arruda’s family would like to extend their deepest gratitude to Brandon Woods of Dartmouth for the comforting care their mother received while there. They would also like to thank the staff of Bourne Team II at St. Luke’s Hospital.

Her funeral will be held Monday, September 23, 2013 at 8 AM from the ROCK Funeral Home, 1285 Ashley Blvd., New Bedford, followed by her funeral mass at 9 AM in St. John Neumann Church, 157 Middleboro Rd., East Freetown. Visiting hours, Sunday 5-8 PM. Burial will be in Pine Grove Cemetery, New Bedford. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in her honor may be made to, Cameron’s Kids, c/o Jeff Goulart, 71 Bullivant Farm Rd., Marion, MA 02738.