Ernestine M. Soares, 92, of Middletown, RI, widow of James M. Soares, died Thursday, 11/19/09 at Newport Hospital. Born in No. Tiverton, RI, daughter of the late Manuel & Marianna (Pimentel) Bravo, she lived in Portsmouth most of her life – residing in Middletown for the past 6 years. She worked as a homemaker at, and after her retirement also volunteered with, Child & Family Services of Newport – volunteering at Newport Hospital, as well. She was a member of the Portsmouth Senior Center and of the Dawntones Senior Center Chorus. A former parishioner of St. Anthony's Church, Portsmouth, RI, she was also a member of its Catholic Women's Club and its choir. Ernestine loved music, arts & crafts and was an avid swimmer most of her life. She especially enjoyed knitting sweaters for donation, through her church, to needy children of foreign countries. Survivors include: children, Madeline M. Faria and James L. Soares both of Fall River, Maureen Hernandez of Laughlin, NV, John M. and Maurice K. Soares both of Portsmouth, RI, and Carl E. Soares of No. Kingstown, RI; grandchildren, Daniel J., Michael A. & James D. Faria, John "Jay", James L., Bridget Lee and Kay Elizabeth Soares, Lyle & Renee Rudloff and Christine Costa; 9 great grandchildren; several nieces & nephews. She was also sister of the late: Joaquim "Jack", Manuel & Joseph Bravo, Adeline Starcher, Marion Lawlor and Agnes Medeiros. A Memorial Mass was celebrated on Tuesday (11/24) at St. Lucy's Church, West Main Rd. in Middletown. Following cremation, her ashes were interred with her late husband at St. Patrick Cemetery in Fall River. Donations in her memory may be sent to: St. Lucy's Hearth, 913 West Main Rd, Middletown, RI 02842 or Child & Family Services of Newport County, 31 John Clark Rd, Middletown, RI 02842