Joan E. Souza, 79, of Tiverton, RI, passed away peacefully in her

sleep on 5/30/23. Joan was a graduate of Durfee High School and later

went to the Air Force. She worked for many years at DPH for the city

of Fall River, and served for some time as the Union President. Joan

was a gifted musician, loved writing music, playing guitar/piano and

singing to entertain others. She formed a band with her cousin

Christine, "Cousins Duo", and was also a member of "3 Plus 1" and

"Dave and the Music Makers." Joan was a lifelong advocate for equal

rights, dating back to a time when the fight was neither popular, nor

safe. An avid poker player, she enjoyed trips to casinos as well as

family poker nights with her grandkids and extended family. She loved

woodworking (quite the handy woman), and traveling (especially to Cape

Cod) with her wife. Her greatest pride, however, was her

grandchildren, and she was a dedicated and loving Vo to them.

Joan was preceded in death by her parents Manuel and Ethelvina Souza,

her wife Joan Coulombe, and many beloved pets. She is survived by

sister Ruth Rezendes, niece Melissa Duclos (Kenneth), several great

and great-great nieces and nephews, several cousins including

Christine Oliveira (Dale), forever son-in-law Kenneth Biello (Sunny),

grandchildren Adam, Jacob and Mya Biello, lifelong best friend Paul

Avilla, special neighbor/friend John Sylvia, and many other treasured

friends.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Forever Paws, 300 Lynwood

St., Fall River, MA 02721. Service for family/friends will be held at

Pocasset Funeral Home on Saturday, June 10th from 1:30 to 2:30pm.