The Dartmouth Police Department is mourning the loss of its longtime clerk Lorie Vieira, who died on Christmas Eve after a prolonged period of declining health.

She was 55 years old.

Vieira, a graduate of Dartmouth High in 1985, worked at the police station for 24 years. She retired from the department this past May.

When off the clock, Vieira could be seen every Wednesday at the Ice Chest in Fairhaven “causing chaos with friends” and was “always the life of the party and could always put a smile on someone's face.”

“In addition to her infectious smile and laugh, Lorie will also be affectionately remembered for her generosity and enduring willingness to always take the time to listen to anyone who needed to talk,” the Dartmouth Police Department wrote in a Facebook post. “We love you Lorie! The world is a little less bright today without you.”

Vieira is survived by her children, Kristen and Nathen, her grandson, Carson, her sister Donna and several uncles, aunties, nieces & nephews. All whom she loved very much.