Bernice DeChaves

Bernice "Bea" (DelLima) DeChaves, 76 of Fairhaven passed away on July 24, 2026. Bernice was a strong and compassionate woman, whose wit and laughter were unmistakable, and whose faith carried her through every season of her life. She will be remembered with great love by all who knew her.

Raised in the North End of New Bedford, Bernice came from a family where music was never far away.

Her brothers were musicians, and Bernice herself was blessed with a wonderful singing voice. As a young adult, she sang in the choir at St. Andrew's Church. Many years later, she returned to something she had always loved when she joined the Sippican Choral Society.

Her love of singing was closely tied to her strong and enduring faith in the Lord. The road was not always easy, but her belief never wavered. For Bernice, music was meant to be felt. Neil Diamond called it a joyful noise," and that seems a fitting description of the place music held in her life.

Along with inheriting a passion for music, Bernice brought that same pleasure to preparing a good meal.  Food gathered family and the friends who became family around her table.  A place where everyone could be themselves. From word games and barbecues, to honest conversations, it marked occasions which offered comfort, and brought joy, and showed her care for others. Ask Bernice how she was doing and there was always a good chance you would hear: "Just ducky". Her hospitality was an extension of her heart that carried over into her career.

Bernice started at Acushnet Rubber Division-a place that brought her cherished lifelong friends. Driven by her desire to grow, she worked tirelessly to build a professional path for herself in public service. She obtained a position with the City of New Bedford within the New Directions Program, assisting young people and families find employment and connecting with needed resources. Bernice later transitioned to a role with the Commonwealth of Massachusetts maintaining her focus on human services.

For Bernice, helping people was far more than a job description. She took genuine pride in solving a problem, finding a resource or helping someone through a difficult time. She could advocate, encourage and, just as important make someone laugh.

After her retirement, Bernice delighted in simply enjoying her seaside home, doting on her beloved cats and chocolate Labrador, Halston, and tending to her plants or garden. She filled her days cooking favorites recipes, decorating, and sharing good conversations with friends over a warm cup of tea or coffee.

Bernice lived a life of deep love and determination, which shaped the role that mattered most to her: being a mother. As a single mother, she raised her two daughters, AnneMarie D.Dufresne, and Sarah DeChaves, of New Bedford, to be independent. Bernice loved them both beyond words, and was deeply proud of the woman they became.

Bemice is also survived by her brother Lionel DelLima and his wife, Deborah, of Maine, several nieces and nephews, and a goddaughter, all of whom lovingly called her "Auntie Bea". She celebrated every milestone and achievement in their lives. Bernice also leaves behind a lifelong confidant and friend, Paul, with whom she shared some of life's happiest moments.

Bernice is predeceased by her parents, Manuel and Irene (Goulart) DelLima, and her brother, Manuel DelLima, Jr. Her mother was her "one in a million", and Bernice spoke of her with deep love every single day of her life.

In accordance with Bernice's wishes, a private service will be held. The family appreciates your thoughts and prayers. Those who wish to honor Bernice's memory may make a donation to Best Friends Animal Sanctuary.