OBIT N. Bedford, Fall River Fairhaven 54

Patricia M. "Pat" Arruda, 54, of Fairhaven, died after a long illness on April 14, 2009, at Charlton Memorial Hospital. She was the life partner of Susan M. Roy.
Ms. Arruda was born in Fall River, daughter of Jane (Madula) Arruda and the late Ernest R. Arruda, and lived most of her life in the greater New Bedford area.
She was employed as a vocational coordinator by the May Institute, New Bedford. She was a supporter of A.I.D.S. Inc., enjoyed camping, weekend getaways and most of all spending time with her family.
In addition to her life partner and mother, she is survived by 2 daughters: Carrie-Marie Arruda and Jodi DeCampos; a brother: Gary Arruda; her beloved aunt, Freda; 1 niece; and 1 nephew.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to A.I.D.S. Inc., 87 Middle Rd., Acushnet, MA 02743.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Kirby Funeral Home, 61 Tarkiln Hill Road, New Bedford. To sign the online guest book, please visit www.potterfuneralservice.com

Sea Air draws Native Daughter Home--chapter one

Published in Standard Times June 21, 2006. Cecil Hickman met his wife Donna Souza, six years before, online. They now live in Cleveland, Ohio, but try to get to New Bedford whenever possible.

Donna, who lives in Cleveland, will always have to come home to New Bedford this time of year. Otherwise she will mope around the house and get irritable with everyone. It all started with an internet date seven years ago.

Donna was a bookkeeper at a family-run plate-glass company off Cottage Street. The online date was a news director at a public radio station in Knoxville, Tenn.