Barbara J. Affonce

Barbara Joan (Downey) Affonce died peacefully surrounded by her loving family on December 5, 2025 at the age of 86. Barbara was the wife of late Thomas "Pat" Patrick Affonce, who was the love of her life. Barbara, born and raised in New Bedford, MA lived out her years in Acushnet, MA with her daughter and son-in-law, enjoying her time with her family. Barbara is survived by her daughter, Joan M. Pierce and her son-in-law Dr. Steve L. Pierce and also her son Timothy S. Affonce, of Fayetteville, NC. Her biggest fans called her Gram or Pumpkin and they include her grandchildren Matthew P. Hancock, Cassidy L. Silva, Keryn L. Affonce, Sean Affonce, Matthew S. Pierce and Zachary C. Pierce. Her great-grandchildren include Cameryn S. Hancock, Chayce M. Hancock, Alyssa Nunes, Jayla Vega, Gisele Vega and Lennox C. Hancock.

Barbara was the daughter of the late John J. and Florence (Bosworth) Downey. She was also predeceased by her ten siblings: (In order from oldest to youngest) John James Downey, Jr., Helen Elizabeth Sullivan, Joseph Francis Downey, Mary Margaret Menino, James Anthony Downey, Paul Vincent Downey, Lawrence Elton Downey, Thomas Stephen Downey, Francis Brian Downey, and Kathleen Patricia Oliveira. Barbara was the youngest of her siblings and the last living sibling of the Downey Clan. After retirement, she concentrated on creating a comprehensive Downey Family Geneology and completed it, online no less, just a few years ago.

Barbara worked at Southcoast Hospitals Group and retired at the age of 78. She always said that her only wish was that she had 20 more years to give the Management Information Systems Department. She absolutely loved her job and the people that came with it.

Barbara cherished all of her outings and dinners with friends, colleagues and especially her nieces. She had a way of entering a room that made everyone feel seen and loved. Her presence was a gift, and her memory will remain just as powerful.

Her life was defined by love, generosity and the joy she brought to others. She leaves behind a legacy that will never fade and a family forever grateful for the time they had with her. Her presence, her voice and her warmth will be missed but her family takes comfort in knowing she left this world peacefully and surrounded by love.

Her funeral will be held on Saturday December 13th at 9 AM from the Saunders-Dwyer Home for Funerals, 495 Park St., New Bedford, followed by her Funeral Mass at St. Mary's Church, South Dartmouth at 10 AM. Visiting hours will be on Friday December 12th from 5-8 PM. In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research, Grand Central Station P.O. Box 4777, New York, NY 10163 (give.michaeljfox.org).