Edith Bettencourt

Portsmouth, RI - Edith Oliveira-Silvia Lavender Bettencourt, 90, of 213 Sprague Street, Portsmouth, formerly of Fall River, MA, died Wednesday, October 6, 2004 at Southpointe Rehabilitation And Skilled Care Center Fall River, MA.She was the wife of the late John R. Lavender and John Bettencourt. Born in Portsmouth, RI on August 22, 1914, she was the daughter of the late Manuel and Maria Mello Oliveira-Silvia. Mrs. Bettencourt was a retired employee of the Newport Naval Base having worked there for 23 years. While residing in Fall River she was a member of St. Marys Cathedral Womans Guild. She was active in community service and recently was a recipient of the Presidents Volunteer Service Award for her involvement in the Presidents Council on Service and Civic participation. She enjoyed volunteering in the thrift shop at the Portsmouth Senior Center. A staunch Democrat she also worked at the voting polls. She enjoyed crafts, knitting, playing cards and going to yard sales. Mrs. Bettencourt was a member of St. Anthony?s Church and helped during the feast in the kitchen. She is survived by her son John R. Lavender II of New Bedford, MA, her granddaughter Lori Ann Tavares and her husband Paul of Tiverton, RI, her grandson John R. Lavender III and his wife Sandra of Raynham, MA, her brother Francis Frank Silvia of Westport, MA, four great grandchildren Jessica and Justin Tavares and Collin and Nicole Lavender, nineteen nieces and nephews, and numerous grand nieces and grand nephews.She was the sister of the late Mary Moniz, Hilda White, Alice Frazier, Mary Mamie Kwarczinski, Almond Pat Silvia and Joseph Silvia. Her funeral will be held on Saturday, October 9, 2004, at 9:00 AM from the Connors Funeral Home, 55 West Main Road, Portsmouth, with a Mass of Christian burial at 10:00 AM in St. Anthonys Church, 2836 East Main Road, Portsmouth. Burial will be in St. Patricks Cemetery in Fall River. Donations in her memory may be made to Hudner Oncology Center, St. Anne?s Hospital, Fall River, MA 02722.