Mary Souza Rebello

EAST FALMOUTH - Mary Souza Rebello passed away on Wednesday, Aug. 29, 2007, while at JML Care Center in Falmouth, after a brief illness.

Mary, known as Peggy, was the first child of Manuel Souza and Theresa Mello Souza. She was born in New Bedford on July 6, 1915. Shortly after her birth, her father came to Falmouth to work for H.V. Lawrence Nursery. He bought land in East Falmouth and built a house for his family, who joined him when Mary was nine years old. She attended Falmouth schools and later worked for Robbins Laundry in Falmouth.

In 1937, she married Manuel R. Rebello at St. Anthony's Church in East Falmouth. They were blessed with 32 years of marriage and four children. Manuel passed away in 1969.

Peggy then worked as a private caregiver and companion for the elderly for many years retiring in her late 70s.

She found great joy in her large and loving family. She always attended family celebrations taking great pride in their accomplishments.

She leaves a son, Kenneth R. Rebello of Falmouth; three daughters, Beverly Cardeiro and Priscilla Wynne of East Falmouth, and Pat Snyder of St. Louis, Mo. She was the sister of Tillie Motta, John Souza and Jerome Souza of East Falmouth, and sister of the late Tobey Souza. She also leaves 15 grandchildren, 35 great-grandchildren, nine great-great-grandchildren, and numerous godchildren, nieces and nephews.

A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Friday, Aug. 31, 2007, in St. Anthony's Church, 167 E. Falmouth Highway, East Falmouth. Burial will follow at St. Anthony's Cemetery. Visiting hours will be from 9 to 10 a.m. before the funeral Mass in the Chapman, Cole & Gleason Funeral Home, 584 W. Falmouth Highway, West Falmouth.

Mary took special pleasure in viewing the daily Mass shown on TV. At her request, donations in her memory may be mailed to the Diocese of Fall Fiver TV Mass, P.O. Box 7, Fall River, MA 02722.