Hilda (Souza) Rapoza passed to eternal rest on Saturday December 7, 2024 under the wonderful care of all the special angels at Sippican Healthcare Center in Marion just two months shy of her 94th birthday.  She was the daughter of the late Antonio and Angelina (Cosmo) Souza, the first American born generation of immigrant parents from Portugal.

She was predeceased by her beloved husband Joseph Rapoza, with whom she shared a loving and caring marriage of 56 years together.

Hilda was born, raised, and lived in New Bedford all of her life. She was a graduate of St. Luke's Hospital School of Nursing, Class of 1951.  She had a tremendous love for her profession of nursing and worked in that field for 40 years. She lived her life fully in faith, love, and family with the utmost kindness for everyone around her.

She was predeceased by her cherished daughter Anne Margaret Raneiri and her loving grandson John Michael Winterhalter.

She leaves behind her son, Michael Rapoza and his wife Janine of Sacramento, CA; her daughter Catherine Winterhalter and her husband Joseph of Dartmouth; and her loving grandchildren, Joey and Paul Winterhalter, Kyle and Cory Rapoza, and Christina Zambetti. The greatest joys of her life were her great-grandchildren, Charlotte, Jett, Madison, Hunter, Jordyn, Lennon Rose, Jonah, and Alex.

She is also survived by her dear son-in-law, Dan Ranieri; her 98-year old sister Laura Perry whom she felt very blessed to share an extraordinarily close relationship with; as well as her wonderful Goddaughter, Carolyn Schneider and her husband Walter and their two daughters, Cecelia and Angelina.  She also leaves her very special "Rapoza" nieces and nephews, Butch, Patty, Manny, Irene, Barbara, Michael, Mark, and Susan.

Hilda was a devoted parishioner of St. Mary's Church, now St. Gabriel the Archangel Parish, for 65 years, possessing a deep and abiding faith in God.  She loved attending Mass and thoroughly enjoyed the music and singing part of it.  She was a Eucharistic minister and felt very privileged to bring communion to the shut-ins in the area.

She was a prolific knitter, hand making innumerable blankets, baby outfits, sweaters, hats, and scarves for family and friends.

Her family would like to express their deep and sincere appreciation and gratitude to everyone who works at Sippican Healthcare, who took the very best care of Hilda in the last chapter of her life, as well as the hospice nurses of Southcoast VNA for their wonderful and caring compassionate work.

Family and friends are invited to share in the celebration of Hilda's life at her Funeral Mass on Thursday December 12th at 10 AM at St. Gabriel the Archangel Parish, 343 Tarkiln Hill Rd., New Bedford.  Arrangements are by the Saunders-Dwyer Home for Funerals, 495 Park St., New Bedford. For online condolence book, please visit www.saundersdwyer.com.  In her memory we ask that you spread kindness and peace to all!