Obituaries

Related: Death Notices

*Index*
Geraldine F. Dow	Hilda Ponte
Helen E. Waite	Valdemar G. Bettencourt
Arthur Chaffin	Eugenio T. Pina
Janet Pierce	Olive E. Macomber
Leslie M. Reid	Nancy Mendes-Naillon
Laurentia Duggan	Margaret A. Ryckebusch

Gymnast Brian Babcock dead at 38 By Mark Babineck, Associated Press writer

HOUSTON -- Brian Babcock, who bounced back to champion status in gymnastics after just missing a spot on the 1984 Olympic team, has died of complications following a bone marrow transplant. He was 38.

Babcock, who earlier this year learned he had a leukemia-like cancer before he even felt sick, received a bone marrow transplant on Aug. 14. Though doctors told him he had a 50-50 chance to live, the gymnast remained optimistic.

"After experiencing nine different surgeries to stay at an elite level in gymnastics, I'd have to say it was great grounds to be prepared for what I'm going through now," he said in an interview with The Associated Press after his transplant.

Babcock died Sunday at his Houston area home with family at his side. He suffered from myelodysplasia, which hampers the body's ability to produce blood and fight infection.

He compared his fight for life to his battle to recover from his third knee operation before vying for a spot on the gold medal-winning gymnastics team at the Los Angeles Olympics. Even hobbled, he barely missed the cut.

He came back to win the national all-around title the following year.

"The entire gymnastics community is deeply saddened by Brian's passing," said Bob Colarossi, president of USA Gymnastics. "He possessed unparalleled energy and excitement for the sport of gymnastics, which was reflected in his performance as an athlete and as a coach."

Born in Garden City, Kan., Babcock starred at Southern Illinois. He earned medals at the NCAA championships and the Pan American Games before his 1985 title.

Babcock has remained active in gymnastics as a coach, moving recently from Pennsylvania to Houston, where he opened the Texas Sports Ranch along with fellow coach Kevin Mazeika. Among the pupils is 2000 Olympic hopeful Sean Townsend.

Funeral services were set for 4 p.m. Thursday at the Abundant Life Church in Clear Lake City.

Babcock is survived by his wife, Tammy, their daughter Jessica, 2, and his stepdaughter Kristin, 16.

Geraldine F. Dow, 91

PLYMOUTH -- Geraldine F. (Haskins) Dow, 91, formerly of Raynham, died Monday, Oct. 19, 1998, at Beverly Manor Nursing Home after a long illness. She was the widow of Melvin B. Dow and daughter of the late John and Florence (Sias) Haskins.

Mrs. Dow was born in Canton and was a longtime resident of Raynham, where she was a member of the First Congregational Church.

She was a member of the Sociable Senior Citizens of Raynham.

Survivors include a son, Ronald E. Dow of Dartmouth; a daughter, Gail A. Eagles of Plymouth; a sister, Barbara Borrows of Arkansas; five grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.

A memorial service will be at 9 a.m. Friday at the Ashley Funeral Home, 35 Oak St., Middleboro, which is handling the arrangements.

Hilda Ponte

NEW BEDFORD -- Private funeral services were held yesterday for Hilda (Borges) Ponte, 81, of the Oaks, who died Friday, Oct. 16, 1998, after a brief illness. She was the widow of Augustus A. Ponte and daughter of the late Jose and Virginia (Cabral) Borges.

Mrs. Ponte was a lifelong New Bedford resident and a communicant of St. John the Baptist Church.

She was a homemaker.

Survivors include two daughters, Diane Vasconcellos and Lorraine Crowley, both of New Bedford; a son, Michael A. Ponte of California; three grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

She was the sister of several deceased brothers and sisters.

Arrangements were by the Perry Funeral Home, 111 Dartmouth St.

Helen E. Waite

FALL RIVER -- Helen E. (Perry) Waite, 75, formerly of Mitchell Drive, died Sunday, Oct. 18, 1998, at Olympus Health Care Center. She was the widow of Clinton Waite and daughter of the late Manuel and Gloria (Ferreira) Perry.

Mrs. Waite was born in Fall River and was a resident of the South End of Fall River most of her life.

She was a clerk in the lingerie department of the former R.A. McWhirr Co. for many years. She also worked for two years at Rich's Department Store in Nashua, N.H.

Survivors include a daughter, Joan Dvareckas of Port Charlotte, Fla.; a sister, Louise Jones of Tiverton, R.I.; three grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

Her funeral Mass be at 10 a.m. Wednesday in Our Lady of Angels Church, Dwelly Street.

Arrangements are by the Maplewood Home of Harrington-Sullivan, O'Rourke and Waring, 986 Plymouth Ave.

Valdemar G. Bettencourt

NEW BEDFORD -- Valdemar G. Bettencourt, 68, died at home Sunday, Oct. 18, 1998, after a brief illness. He was the husband of Maria Palmira (Silveira) Bettencourt and son of the late Maria (Sousa) and Francisco G. Leonardo.

Born in Angra, Terceira, Azores, he moved to New Bedford in 1967. He was a communicant of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church.

He was educated in Terceira and was employed for 20 years as an electrician at the U.S. Air Force Base in Terceira. He received various awards for his work.

He also owned the Ruth Street Market on Brock Avenue.

Survivors include his widow; four sons, Jose Bettencourt of Las Vegas, Valdemar F. Bettencourt and Miguel Bettencourt, both of New Bedford and Francisco Bettencourt of Walpole; a daughter, Maria Pimentel of New Bedford; three sisters, Ilda McKinnon and Olga Medeiros, both of New Bedford, and Conceicao Bettencourt of Lisbon, Portugal; nine grandchildren; a great-grandson; and several nieces and nephews.

He was the brother of the late Maria A. S. Silva.

His funeral Mass will be at 9 a.m. Wednesday in Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church.

Arrangements are by the Perry Funeral Home, 111 Dartmouth St.

Arthur Chaffin

NEW BEDFORD -- Private services were held for Arthur Chaffin, 83, who died at St. Luke's Hospital, Monday, Oct. 19, 1998, after a brief illness. He was the widower of Lillian (Rogers) Chaffin.

Mr. Chaffin was born in Firebrook, Ky., and lived in New Bedford most of his life.

He was a foreman for Fiber Leather Manufacturing Co. until he retired.

Mr. Chaffin was a World War II Coast Guard veteran.

Survivors include a daughter, Arlene A. Rogers of New Bedford; six grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; a niece and two nephews.

He was the father of the late Joseph Moniz and Joyce Chaffin and brother of the late Frank Chaffin.

Arrangements were by the Perry Funeral Home, 111 Dartmouth St.

Eugenio T. Pina, 103

NEW BEDFORD -- Eugenio T. Pina, 103, died at home Sunday, Oct. 18, 1998, after a lengthy illness. He was the husband of Almorinda (Sousa) Pina and widower of Mary (Martin) Pina.

Born in Cape Verde, he lived in the New Bedford area for many years.

He was formerly employed as a cook, working for Exxon Corp. for 20 years and for the Coast Guard for many years until he retired.

Survivors include his widow; two sons, Manny Pina of New Bedford and Edward Pina of New York; 20 grandchildren; 36 great-grandchildren; several great-great-grandchildren; and several stepgrandchildren and stepgreat-grandchildren.

He was the father of the late Eugene Pina, Antone Pina, James Pina, Martin Pina, Arnold Pina, George Pina, Zulina (Nina) Luz, Mary Allemao and Clara Pina.

His funeral Mass will be at 9 a.m. Wednesday at St. Lawrence Church.

Arrangements are by the Wilson Chapel, 479 County St.

There were several errors in the obituary that appeared Monday.

Janet Pierce

NORWICH, Vt. -- Janet (Kendall) Pierce, 73, died at home Saturday, Oct. 17, 1998, after a long illness. She was the widow of Charles Franklin Pierce and daughter of the late Gilman J. and Jessie Anderson (Thorburn) Kendall Sr.

Born in Norwich, she lived most of her life in the city and she was a member of the Congregational Church, where she served as secretary.

A 1943 graduate of Hanover High School, Mrs. Pierce had a varied work history: she was employed at the Pentagon from 1943 to 1945; she worked for Dartmouth Printing Co.; she served as Norwich town clerk and tax collector for 17 years; and she and her late husband operated a child-care center at their family farm for 25 years.

She was a 52-year member of the Order of the Eastern Star and she served on the Board of Civil Authority in Norwich. Mrs. Pierce also was a member of the Senior Action Center, the Noon Neighbors, the Norwich Historical Society and the Pen Pal Club of Norwich.

Survivors include a daughter, Deborah Van Arman of Norwich; a son, David K. Pierce of Marion, Mass.; two brothers, Gilman A. Kendall Jr. of Etna, N.H., and Thomas E. Kendall of Meadow Vista, Calif.; a sister, Helen Harris of Meridian, Calif.; three grandchildren; two stepgrandchildren; a stepgreat-grandson; and several nieces and nephews.

Funeral arrangements are by the Rand-Wilson Funeral Home, 11½ School St., Hanover, N.H.

Olive E. Macomber

MIDDLEBORO -- Olive E. (Williams) Macomber, 89, of Assonet, died at the Atrium Nursing Home, Sunday, Oct. 18, 1998, after a long illness. She was the widow of Rufus D. Macomber and daughter of the late John S. and Elizabeth M. (Young) Williams.

Mrs. Macomber was born in Lakeville and lived most of her life in Assonet. She was a member of the United Church of Assonet, where she served as deaconess and Sunday school treasurer, and a member of the Sewing Circle.

She was a member of the Assonet Grange, which later joined with East Freetown Grange, and the Freetown Lionesses. She had been very active in the Assonet community.

During World War II, she was an airplane spotter.

Her hobby was doing handicrafts.

Survivors include two daughters, Mary W. Ivens of Brockton and Elaine E. Tuck of Brighton; a brother, Frank E. Williams of Lakeville; a sister, Amelia F. Johnson of Lakeville; six granddaughters; a great-grandson; and several nieces and nephews.

Her funeral service will be at 2 p.m. Wednesday at the Egger Funeral Home, 61 Pearl St., which is handling the arrangements.

Leslie M. Reid

NEW BEDFORD -- Retired Army Maj. Leslie Montgomery Reid, 87, of Country Way, Dartmouth, died at St. Luke's Hospital, Sunday, Oct. 18, 1998. He was the husband of Audrey C. (Hawk) Reid and widower of Edith Cornell Reid.

Born in Royton, England, he was the son of the late William H. and Eleanor (Smith) Reid.

A former resident of Providence, Mr. Reid lived in New Bedford for several years and settled in Dartmouth three years ago.

He was a 1931 graduate of the Philadelphia Textile Institute and worked as a textile engineer for many years for the Sharp Textile Mills until he retired in 1973.

A veteran of World War II, he served in the Rhineland, Ardennes, Central Europe and Northern France and was awarded the European-African Middle Eastern Service Medal, the World War II Victory Medal and the American Service Medal.

Upon his honorable discharge as a first lieutenant in June 1946 after four years of active service, he joined the Army reserves, where he served for many years until he retired with the rank of major.

He was a member of the Smith Neck friends Meeting House in South Dartmouth, the Noquochoke Lodge, AF&AM, the Abraham H. Howland Jr. Lodge, AF&AM and the Scottish Rite. Mr. Reid also was a Shriner.

He also served as a worthy patron of the New Bedford Order of the Easter Star, Chapter 49, from 1972-1975, 1982-1983, 1985-1986 and 1988-1989.

Survivors include his widow; two daughters, Elizabeth Reid-Fernandes of Hingham and Martha Sheffield Reid of Sleepy Hollow, N.Y.; three sons, William C. Reid of South Dartmouth, David R. Reid of North Dartmouth and John B. Reid of Dublin, Ohio; a stepson, Allan Fields of Newton Center; a stepdaughter, Constance Burnell of Vermont; a brother, Douglas Reid of Dallas; a sister, Barbara Carmichael of Tallahassee, Fla.; many grandchildren; many great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

Arrangements are by the Dartmouth Funeral Home of Sullivan-Waring, 230 Russells Mills Road, Dartmouth.

Nancy Mendes-Naillon

ORROVILLE, Calif. -- Nancy Mendes-Naillon died Saturday, Oct. 17, 1998, at Nursing Care Center after a long battle with cancer.

Survivors include her husband, John Naillon of California; a stepson, Clint Naillon of Fairhaven; a daughter-in-law, Kerrie Naillon of Fairhaven; and a granddaughter, Kaitleigh Naillon of Fairhaven.

She will be buried in California. A memorial service will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday at the Seaman's Bethel in New Bedford.

Laurentia Duggan, 94

NEW BEDFORD -- Laurentia (Bouchard) Duggan, 94, died Monday, Oct. 19, 1998, at the Sacred Heart Home. She was the widow of Hugh A. Duggan, who died in 1973, and daughter of the late Edouard and Celeste (Ouimet) Bouchard.

Born in Sutton, Quebec, Canada, she moved to the New Bedford area in 1906.

A homemaker, she was a communicant of Sacred Heart Church.

She is survived by her daughter, Patricia A. Duggan of New Bedford, and nieces and nephews.

She was the sister of the late Flora Bouchard, Eva Langlois, Albert Bouchard, Albini Bouchard, Leo Bouchard and Alfred Bouchard.

Her funeral Mass will be celebrated at 9 a.m. Wednesday at Sacred Heart Church.

Arrangements are by the Donaghy Funeral Home, 465 County St.

Margaret A. Ryckebusch

BOSTON -- Margaret A. (Duggan) Ryckebusch, 58, died Wednesday, Oct. 14, 1998, at Boston Medical Center of amyloidosis. She was the wife of Jules R. Ryckebusch and daughter of the late Joseph C. Duggan, a lawyer, and Helen L. (Bartley) Duggan.

Mrs. Ryckebusch was a lifelong New Bedford resident.

She was a 1957 graduate of the former Sacred Hearts Academy in Fairhaven, a 1962 graduate of Stonehill College in Easton, and she received her master's degree in English from Boston College.

Mrs. Ryckebusch retired in June 1998 from Bristol Community College, where she was a professor of speech and English for 30 years.

She was chairwoman of the Department of Speech, Foreign Languages, Theater and Humanities at Bristol Community College. Recently the faculty and staff lounge was dedicated in her honor.

Survivors include her widower; two sons, Matthew D. Ryckebusch and Justin R. Ryckebusch, both of New Bedford; two brothers, Joseph C. Duggan of Philadelphia and Dermot B. Duggan of Torino, Italy; a niece; two nephews; and cousins.

Arrangements were by the Donaghy Funeral Home, 465 County St., New Bedford.