Josephine Leal

Josephine (Gracia) Leal, 97, of New Bedford, passed away on Wednesday, February 19, 2025 at Care One of New Bedford. Born in Fairhaven, she was daughter of the late Joseph Gracia and the late Maria Araujo and wife of the late Edward Paul Leal. 

Josephine enjoyed spending her time immersed in crafts of all types. She was an avid Celtics, Red Sox and Patriots fan. Josephine worked for many years as a stitcher for various clothing manufacturing companies.

She is survived by her niece, Deborah Smith; nephews, Sonny Soares, Gary Soares, Mark Gagne and his wife Diane; great niece, Jennifer Smith; great nephews, Sheldon Smith, Matthew Smith and his wife Laura; and several great great nieces and nephews.

Josephine is proceeded in death by her sisters, Alvarina Perry, Hilda Desrosiers, Irene Soares, Lillian Gracia, Elsie Barreiro and Evelyn Gagne.

A Funeral Mass with her cremated remains will be held at St. Joseph's Church in Fairhaven on Wednesday, March 12, 2025 at 10am. Burial will follow in Pine Grove Cemetery.