Harriet B. (Brightman) Paul, 98, of New Bedford died Wednesday February 16, 2011 at Alden Court Nursing Home. She was the wife of the late Joseph P. Paul and the late Joseph Cunningham.

Born in New Bedford, the daughter of the late Philip and Josephine (Barriteau) Brightman, she lived in New Bedford all of her life.

Mrs. Paul was a communicant of Holy Name of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish.

During World War II, she was employed by Continental Screw Company. She later worked as a cook at Holy Name Rectory for many years.

Mrs. Paul was involved in many church activities, including the Ladies Guild, the Couples Club, the Guard of Honor Society, and the cancer pad sewing group.

Survivors include five sons, Timothy Paul of New Bedford, Robert Paul of Newport, NC, William Paul of Memphis, TN, Philip Cunningham of Heber Springs, AR, and Vincent Paul of Rhode Island; two daughters, Doris Houle of New Bedford and Patricia Berard of Florida; and many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.

She was the sister of the late Winifred Silva, Philaura Faria, Charles, Kenneth, and Philip Brightman.

Her Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Tuesday at 9 AM at Holy Name of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Church. Burial will follow in St. Mary's Cemetery. Visiting hours will be on Monday from 4-7 PM at the Saunders-Dwyer Home for Funerals, 495 Park St., New Bedford. For directions and guestbook, please visit www.saundersdwyer.com.