Bernice C. Raposa, age 91, passed away on Saturday, June 15, 2024, at Charlton Memorial Hospital in Fall River following a brief illness. She was born October 13, 1932, in Swansea, to the late Lillian B. (Andrade) and Alfred Botelho Raposa of Somerset.

A soft-spoken gentle soul with never a bad word to say about anyone, Bernice was a true lady loved by many. In her younger years, she studied and sang opera as a teen and won many accolades from local performances. She graduated from beautician school as a young adult where she thrived and placed at the top of her class. Her true passion and talent for styling led her to a fruitful career with a loyal and long-standing clientele at the esteemed Ray-Stels Beauty Salon in Dartmouth, Massachusetts. She remained there for many years until she went on to own her own salon just around the corner in Dartmouth until she retired at the age of 76.

With many friends and an active social life, "Bernie" (as she was known) loved boating, playing badminton and tennis and her favorite league sport of bowling for which she had a basement full of trophies! She travelled often from Florida, California and Las Vegas to camping trips, Bermuda and several Caribbean cruises with always a funny story to tell upon return.

Bernie loved to live life to the fullest in the simplest of ways, gathering with friends and family, cutting everybody's hair in the kitchen while laughing and chatting.

She is predeceased by her sister, Joyce M. Desforges and survived by her brother-in-law, Robert D. Desforges, of Swansea; her niece, Lisa M. Desforges, of Swansea and her nephew, Kevin R. Desforges, of Somerset and many cherished cousins.

May she be at peace and welcomed home by her Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ where she can praise Him always with her beautiful singing voice.

Her Funeral Mass was celebrated on Friday, June 21st, at St. John of God Church followed by her committal at St Patrick's Cemetery both in Somerset. She was laid to rest alongside her late sister and near their parents.

Family members are always grateful for relatives and friends wishing to make in-person expressions of kindness and support. If you were unable to do so, because of health concerns or any other reason, all are urged to express their sympathy online or by mail. To ensure that said condolences and/or sympathy cards reach the family, please always make sure that submissions online are made directly through the funeral home's website (www.silvafaria.com) and not through a third party. Thank you!