Irene (Souza) Ponte, 95, of Dartmouth, formerly of New Bedford, passed away on February 11, 2017 in Bedford Gardens. She was the loving wife of the late Charles "Peachie" Ponte with whom she shared 58 years of marriage.

Born November 23, 1921 in New Bedford, a daughter of the late Manuel J. and Mary (Costa) Souza, she lived most of her life in New Bedford. She was a communicant of the former St. Killian's Church. Her life was filled with love for family and enjoying every day.

Ponte’s family would like to thank the entire staff at Bedford Gardens in New Bedford for the endless love and friendship they showered her every day. She was so happy to share her day with her friends.

She is survived by her children, Charles M. Ponte, Jr. and his wife Susan J. of S. Dartmouth and a daughter, Sheila Freitas and her husband Louis of North Dartmouth; grandchildren Heather A. Rousseau and her husband Mark of Haverhill and Jessica A. Deree and her husband Chris Wiesner of LaJolla, CA; great grandchildren, Joshua C. and Jeremy O. Rousseau; a sister, Helen Nunes of Port Charlotte, and many nieces and nephews. She was the sister of the late Louis Rapozo and George Souza.

Her services are private and under the care of Waring-Sullivan Home at Dartmouth, 230 Russells Mills Road.

Visit www.waring-sullivan.com for online tribute.