Florence A. DaCosta

Florence A. (Leandro) DaCosta, 91, of Dartmouth passed away on Tuesday December 9, 2025 after a period of declining health. 

Born in New Bedford, the daughter of the late John and Anna May (Brown) Leandro, she lived in Dartmouth for most of her life. 

Flo enrolled in college as an adult and graduated from Southeastern Massachusetts University with honors in 1973. She was a long time second grade teacher at the Potter School in Dartmouth until her retirement. 

An active participant in local senior centers, she enjoyed all the activities such as cards, and dancing. She loved all forms of dance and participated whenever and wherever she could. She was known for her competitive spirit and was a former athlete and stand out softball player into adulthood. She loved playing golf and throughout the years, cheered on her children and grandchildren at countless sporting events. She especially enjoyed spending time with family and friends. 

She is survived by her sons, Dale DaCosta and his wife Leslie of Dartmouth and Todd DaCosta and his wife Peggy (O’Neill) of Mattapoisett; her grandchildren, Patrick and his wife Crystal, Luke, Jake, DJ, Matt, Abby, Keith, and Kristen DaCosta; her great-grandchildren, Jordan DaCosta, Averie DaCosta, Nicholas Barnes, and Sylvie DaCosta; and her sister, Beverly Cabral. 

She was predeceased by her son, Mark DaCosta, her granddaughter, Erin DaCosta, her former husband, Robert DaCosta, and her siblings, Joan Openshaw and John Wayne Leandro. 

Her Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Friday December 19th at 10 AM at St. Julie Billiart Church, Dartmouth followed by burial in St. John’s Cemetery. Visiting hours will be on Thursday December 18th from 4-7 PM at the Saunders-Dwyer Home for Funerals, 495 Park St., New Bedford. In lieu of flowers, remembrances can be made to a charity of your choice. For online condolence book, please visit www.saundersdwyer.com.