Arthur L. Babine
Retired Navy commander, served in three wars
Arthur Louis Babine, 82, of Eyler Drive, Portsmouth, died Sunday, Feb. 23, 2003, at home. He was the husband of Noreen Mary (Egan) Babine. Born in Providence, a son of the late Arthur L. and Nellie (Maillette) Babine, he had lived in Portsmouth since 1973. Mr. Babine enlisted in the Navy in 1939 and was a veteran of World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War. He retired in 1973 after 34 years of service. He served aboard the Grayson from 1941 to 1947. The ship was engaged in 26 battles, 13 of which were major. A Bronze Star was awarded for the 13 engagements. Of the four ships in his division, only the Grayson survived ' the rest were sunk in the South Pacific. He served as a repair officer on the Yosemite from 1964 to 1966, and on the CruDesLant staff from 1962 to 1964, and again from 1966 to 1969. His naval career also included tours of duty on several destroyers, as well as shore duty. After his retirement in 1973, he worked for the Sheraton Islander Inn, Goat Island, Newport, before retiring in 1991. A graduate of the former James T. Lockwood High School, class of 1938, he was a communicant of St. Barnabas Church in Portsmouth. Mr. Babine was a member of the Glen Manor Committee, where he had served as house committee chairman. In addition to his wife, he leaves four sons, Stephen M. Babine of Jacksonville, Fla., Philip E. Babine of Princeton, N.J., Paul F. Babine of Newton, Mass., and Arthur Babine of Sierra Vista, Ariz.; two daughters, Judith Ann Painter of Savannah, Ga., and Patricia Ann Collier of Norfolk, Va.; a brother, Edward Babine of Warwick; a granddaughter and many nieces and nephews. His funeral will be held Thursday, Feb. 27 at 9 a.m. from Connors Funeral Home, 55 West Main Road, Portsmouth, with a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. in St. Barnabas Church, 1697 East Main Road, Portsmouth. Burial with military honors will follow in St. Columba Cemetery in Middletown.

Edmund Murray
Former Bristol resident
Edmund Murray, 71, of Sparks, Nev. and a former Bristol resident, died Tuesday, Feb. 18, 2003, in Sparks. He was the husband of Pat (Hamaker) Murray. He was the son of the late William and Louise (Battcher) Murray of Bristol. He leaves a daughter, Patricia Ann Curran of Sparks; a grandson, William Theodore Brenner of the United States Coast Guard; a sister, Sheldon Murray of Miami, Fla.; an aunt, Emily Livingstone of Barrington and several nephews and cousins in the area. He was the brother of the late William and Thomas Murray. Private services were held in Sparks.

Felicia Hokanson
Former resident of Barrington
Felicia Hokanson, 81, of Greenville and formerly of Barrington, died Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2003, at Wildflowers Healthcare by the Water in Greenville. Born in Johnston, a daughter of the late Felice and Theresa (Paolucci) Milane, she moved to Barrington in 1963. Ms. Hokanson graduated from St. Xavier Academy in 1940 and briefly attended Bryant College. Trained as a library clerk, she worked at Johnson & Wales University in Providence before retiring in 1992. She leaves a daughter, Joanne Pezzullo of Riverside, and two grandchildren. Burial services were private.

James Army
Leaves family in Barrington
James Army, 73, of Center Conway, N.H., died Saturday, Feb. 1, 2003, after a long battle with emphysema. Born in North Conway, N.H., a son of the late Irving and Francis (Page) Army, he was a United States Navy veteran. A carpenter, he loved hunting, hiking and visiting with family and friends. He was a longtime member of the American Legion, the National Rifle Association and the Bristol Rod and Gun Club. He was also a rescue diver for the Farmington Valley Police Department, and enjoyed scuba diving for many years. He leaves his ex-wife and close friend Marlene Ayasse of Center Conway; a daughter, Rhonda Crecelius of Fryeburg, Maine; two sons, Ricky Army of Barrington and Glen Army of Tucson, Ariz.; and six grandchildren, Paul, Drew and Amber Crecelius of Fryeburg, and Ashley, Amanda and Alison Army, all of Barrington. Expressions of sympathy in Mr. Army's memory may be made by taking a hike on any one of the many trails through the White Mountains in New Hampshire. A private service will take place this spring at one of his favorite hiking spots.

Claire Gagnon
Former machine operator had 16 step-grandchildren
Claire (Leduc) Gagnon, 86, passed away on Thursday, Feb. 20, 2003, at St. Anne's Hospital. She was the wife of the late Albert H. Gagnon. Born in Canada, she was the the daughter of the late Hilaire and Ernestine (Drapeau) Leduc. She lived most of her life in Fall River. Mrs. Gagnon lived on Hillside Street in Fall River for more than 40 years before moving to Clifton Assisted Living in Somerset about 18 months ago. She worked for Quaker Fabrics as a machine operator until her retirement. She was a communicant of Holy Rosary Parish. She leaves three step-daughters, Lorraine Zinni of Somerset and Blanche Ryan and Doris Cote of Fall River; a stepson, Robert Gagnon of Westport; a step-grandson, Paul Zinni of Taunton, who was her primary care giver; 16 other stepchildren; and several nieces. She was the sister of the late Lucien, Raymond and Adrien Leduc and Angeline Jeanrichard. Arrangements are by Boule Funeral Home, 615 Broadway, Fall River.

John A. Knowles
Rug technician, longtime Warren resident
John A. Knowles, 77, of 20 Libby Lane, died Monday, Feb. 17, 2003, at Roger Williams Medical Center in Providence. He was the husband of Albina "Helen" (Deslauriers) Knowles. They had been married 55 years. Born in Providence, he was the son of the late Joseph Patrick and Catherine (O'Connor) Knowles. He lived in Warren for most of his life. Mr. Knowles worked as a rug technician for many years at the former Homsamy Brothers, and later had been an engineer at Fram Corp., retiring in 1980. An Army veteran of World War II, serving in Company C, the 53rd Reinforcement Battalion, he received several medals and citations. Mr. Knowles was a lifelong communicant of St. Jean Baptiste Church. Besides his wife, he leaves a son, John T. Knowles of West Warwick; a daughter, Kathleen McCauley of Warren; a sister, Mary Martin of Pawtucket; and four grandchildren. He was the brother of the late Joseph and William Knowles. His funeral was on Friday, Feb. 21, from the Wilbur-Romano Funeral Home, Warren, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial , with military honors, at St. Jean Baptiste Church. He was buried in St. Jean Baptiste Cemetery.

Hazel J. Robertshaw
Dog breeder, avid swimmer
Hazel Jane (Hunt) Robertshaw, 94, of Main Road, Tiverton, and formerly of Canonicus Street, Tiverton, died Sunday, Feb. 16, 2003, at Sakonnet Bay Manor in Tiverton. She was the wife of the late Walter F. Robertshaw, her husband of 65 years. Born in Fall River, Mrs. Robertshaw was a daughter of the late Frederick and Grace (Thurott) Hunt. A lifelong resident of Tiverton, she wintered in Fort Myers, Fla., for several years. She was employed by the former Durfee Theater in Fall River, where she sold tickets for a number of years. She also bred pointers and setters hunting dogs with her late husband, helping him run the Briarwood Kennel in Tiverton for over 30 years. Mrs. Robertshaw was a member of the First Primitive Methodist Church in Tiverton and a life member of the Eastern Star, Portsmouth chapter. She was also a member of the Sakonnet Seniors Club in Tiverton. A long time member of the YMCA, she had a passion for playing basketball and swimming. In her youth, she could often be found swimming at Sandy Beach on Bay Street. She was also an avid knitter. She leaves a sister, Florence Juneau of Tiverton; two nieces, Lois Hartnett of Tiverton and Constance Jones of Maine; and many great nieces and nephews. She was also the sister of the late Margaret Ibbotson and Samuel, Frederick and Grace Hunt. A funeral service was held Tuesday, Feb. 25 in the First Primitive Methodist Church. Burial was in Pocasset Hill Cemetery in Tiverton. Arrangements were by the Cherry Place Home of Waring-Sullivan, Ashton, Coughlin, Driscoll of Fall River.

Barbara A. Barra
Devoted homemaker, avid doll collector
Barbara A. Barra, 59, of 12 Frank Drive, Tiverton, died Wednesday, Feb. 19, 2003, at St. Anne's Hospital in Fall River. She was the wife of Theodore Barra of Tiverton, her husband of 40 years. Born in Bridgeport, Conn., on Dec. 16, 1943, she was the daughter of Alysious M. Stoos of Middletown and the late Eleanor (Kachinski) Stoos. Mrs. Barra was a devoted homemaker and an avid doll collector. In addition to her husband and father, she leaves two sons, Theodore Barra III of Tiverton and Michael A. Barra of Middletown; one daughter, Theresa Barra of Tiverton; two brothers, Joseph H. and Michael A. Stoos, both of Middletown; three sisters, Victoria M. Ripa of Washington, D.C., Paula K. Stoos of Middletown, and Anna Braga of Portsmouth; four grandchildren, Alexander and Christopher Barra, both of Middletown, and Joshua Barra and Alyssa Jacyssin, both of Tiverton; and 12 nieces and nephews and four great-nieces and nephews. She was also the sister of the late Mary Stoos and the aunt of Carl F. Gillies Jr. A memorial service was held Tuesday, Feb. 25 in Memorial Funeral Home in Newport. Burial was private. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her memory to Tiverton Fire Department and Rescue Association, c/o Craig Committo, 85 Main Road, Tiverton, RI 02878.

James L. Keegan
A memorial service will be held Saturday for James L. Keegan, 72, of Indian Avenue, Portsmouth, and formerly of Middletown, who died Nov. 17., 2002. He was the husband of the late Robin Frances (Romero) Keegan. Mr. Keegan was an English teacher at St. George's School in Middletown for 25 years before retiring. The memorial service will be at 1 p.m. at St. George's School Chapel, Purgatory Road, Middletown.

Harry L. James
Navy veteran, security officer
Harry L. "Jesse" James, 63, of 1969 Apopka Drive, Middleburg, Fla., and formerly of Tiverton, died Feb. 4, 2003, at home after a battle with lung cancer. He was the husband of Lavonne "Boots" James, his wife of 15 years. Born in Lock Haven, Pa., he was the son of the late Charles and Roberta (Herr) James. A Navy veteran, Mr. James served for 20 years in various units of the Atlantic and Pacific fleets as a gunner. He was stationed at Naval Station Newport for 12 years while living in Tiverton. He was awarded the Bronze Star for gallantry during his service in the Vietnam War. He lived in New Bedford, Mass., for eight years and worked at Burger King restaurants in New Bedford and North Dartmouth. He recently retired as a security officer from Moose Haven in Orange Park, Fla. Mr. James was a life member of the VFW, the Color Guard and the Vietnam Veterans Association. In addition to his wife, he leaves three sons, Scott James of Avis, Pa., John Aikey of Jersey Shore, Pa., and Kenneth Aikey of Middleburg, Fla.; a daughter, Tammy Santos of Freetown, Mass.; a sister, Cheryl Reynolds of Avis, Pa.; and eight grandchildren and a great-grandchild. A memorial service will be held March 8 at 3 p.m. at the Jacksonville, Fla., Naval Air Station chapel. Burial will be in Arlington National Cemetery.

Brian J. Cabral
Correctional officer, Army National Guard member
Brian J. Cabral, 63, of Bearfoot Bay, Fla., and formerly of Bristol, died Wednesday, Feb. 26, 2003, in Florida. Born in Waterbury, Conn., a son of the late Joseph T. and Florence (Marino) Cabral, he lived in Bristol before moving to Las Vegas for 7 years and Bearfoot Bay for 3 years. Mr. Cabral was a correctional officer for 23 years in the state of Connecticut, retiring in 1992. He also worked as a security consultant for the Hacienda and Reno Hotel and Casinos in Las Vegas. He was a member of the U.S. Army National Guard Company E, 2nd Battalion 102 Infantry. A communicant of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, Mr. Cabral was a member of the Golden Order of Eagles and the Moose Club in Naugatuck, Conn. He leaves a sister, Delores Painter of Naugatuck; four brothers, Henry J. and Ronald C. Cabral, both of Naugatuck, Lawrence J. Cabral of Watertown, Conn., and Joseph R. Cabral of Waterbury; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was also the brother of the late Shirley Ann Cabral. His funeral services are Saturday, March 8, from the Sansone Funeral Home, 192 Wood St., at 10 a.m. with a Mass of Christian burial at 11 a.m. at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, State Street. Burial will follow in St. Mary's Cemetery, Chestnut Street. Visiting hours are Saturday from 9 to 10 a.m. Memorial contributions may be made to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of Rhode Island, 75 Sockanossett Crossroads, Suite 206, Box 8099, Cranston, RI 02920.

Brian J. Cabral
Funeral services for Brian J. Cabral were held Saturday, March 8, 2003, from the Sansone Funeral Home with a Mass of Christian burial in Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church. The Rev. Giacomo D. Capoverdi was the celebrant and homilist for the Mass. Ryan and Rosalyn Cabral presented the offertory gifts. Burial followed in St. Mary's Cemetery, where Father Capoverdi read the committal prayers. Mr. Cabral, 63, of Bearfoot Bay, Fla., and formerly of Bristol, died Wednesday, Feb. 26, at Sebastian River Medical Center in Sebastian, Fla. He was the son of the late Joseph and Florence (Marino) Cabral. Memorial contributions may be made to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of RI, 75 Sockanossett Crossroads, Cranston, RI 02920.

Cyrina J. Cabral
Retired sewing machine operator
Cyrina J. (Amarello) Cabral, 80, of Highlander Rehabilitation and Nursing Center, 1748 Highland Ave., Fall River, and formerly of Tiverton, died Friday, March 21, 2003, at the center. She was the wife of the late Oliver Cabral. Born on Jan. 28, 1923, in Fall River, she was a daughter of the late Agostino Cordeiro Amarello and Gertrude (Amarello) Amarello. She lived in Tiverton for most of her life. Mrs. Cabral was employed as a sewing machine operator for many years at the former Center Garment until retiring in 1985. She was a member of the International Ladies Garment Workers Union, now UNITE, and a former member of the Ocean State Seniors. She was a member of St. Theresa's Church in Tiverton. Mrs. Cabral leaves a son, Robert M. Cabral of Little Compton; a sister, Hilda Aguiar of Fall River; two grandsons; and several nieces and nephews. She was the sister of the late Dorothy Aguiar and Beatrice Mello. Burial was in Notre Dame Cemetery in Fall River. Arrangements were by the Oliveira Funeral Home in Fall River.

Elizabeth Williams
Born in Poland, immigrated to U.S. in 1909
Elizabeth (Prezalar) Williams, 97, of 843 Bulgarmarsh Road, Tiverton, died Thursday, Feb. 27, 2003, at home. She was the wife of the late John Williams. Born in Poland, she was a daughter of the late Joseph and Mary (Kapa) Prezalar. She immigrated in 1909 from Poland to Brooklyn, N.Y., where she lived until moving to Tiverton in 1981. She leaves a son, Joseph J. Williams of Staten Island, N.Y.; a brother, John "Jake" Prezalar of Tiverton; four grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews. She was the sister of the late Helen Tolson, and Frank, Lawrence, Charles, Walter, Steven, Joseph and Stanley "Todd" Prezalar. Her funeral was held on Monday, March 3, from the Boyko Memorial Funeral Home, Fall River, followed by a funeral Mass in Blessed Trinity Church, Fall River. Committal prayers and burial were in Oak Grove Cemetery, Fall River.

Maria Medeiros
Born in the Azores, worked at Converse
Maria (Ferreira) Medeiros, 79, of High Street, died Wednesday, March 5, 2003, in Bristol. She was the wife of the late Antonio P. Medeiros. Born in Fenais da Ajuda, St. Michael's, the Azores, she was the daughter of the late Jose and Albina DaCosta. She lived in the United States for 52 years, including 49 years in Bristol, after moving from the Azores, where she lived for 27 years. She worked for ITT Wire for 7 years and was a stitcher for Converse Rubber Co. for 22 years before retiring in 1986. She was a past president of the Legion of Mary at St. Elizabeth Church. She leaves a son, Anthony G. Medeiros of Bristol; two sisters, Mariana da Costa Ferreira and Ines daCosta Ferreira, both of Bristol; and many nieces and nephews. She was also the sister of the late Jose, Francisco, Alberto, Maria I. and Isabel daCosta Ferreira. Her funeral will be held from the George C. Lima Funeral Home, 367 High St., on Friday, March 7, at 8 a.m., with a Mass of Christian burial at 9 a.m. at St. Elizabeth Church, Wood Street. Burial will follow in St. Mary Cemetery.

Maria Medeiros
Funeral services of Maria (Ferreira) Medeiros were held on Friday, March 7, 2003, from the George C. Lima Funeral Home with a Mass of Christian burial in St. Elizabeth Church. The celebrant of the Mass was the Rev. Thomas J. Ferland. Concelebrants of the Mass were the Reverends Fernando Cabral and Robert Bailey. Natalia Placido and Ann Marie Martens were the readers for the Mass. Isabel Lindo, Filomena Barros, Lina Placido and Filomena Curly presented offertory gifts. Burial followed in St. Mary's Cemetery, where the Reverends Ferland, Cabral and Bailey offered committal prayers. Joseph DaSilva, Julio DaSilva, Armando Ferreira, Joa Ferreira, Manuel Ferreira and Jose Ferreira were the pallbearers. Ms. Medeiros, 79, of High Street, died Wednesday, March 5, in Bristol. She was the wife of the late Antonio P. Medeiros.

Rosemary Medeiros
Owned and operated Rosemary's School of Dance
Rosemary Medeiros, 46, of Barden Lane, Warren, died Wednesday, March 5, 2003, at Rhode Island Hospital. She was the wife of Alfred A. Medeiros. Born in Providence, she was a daughter of Sylvester L. Hambly and the late Rose C. (Cole) Hambly. She had lived in Riverside before moving to Warren 16 years ago. Mrs. Medeiros was the owner and operator of Rosemary's School of Dance Education, on Wood Street in Warren, for 20 years. She was a member of the Warren and Bristol Rotary Club, the Dance Teachers Club in Boston, Dance Masters of America, Dance Alliance of Rhode Island and the Professional Dance Teachers Association. Her name was published in Outstanding People of the 20th Century and Who's Who in 2000. Besides her husband and father, she leaves two daughters, Bethany Rose and Samantha Ann Medeiros, both of Warren; and a brother, Michael G. Hambly Sr. of Riverside. Her funeral was on Saturday, March 8, from the W. Raymond Watson Funeral Home, Riverside, with a Mass of Christian Burial in St. Brendan Church, also in Riverside. She was buried in Gate of Heaven Cemetery, East Providence.

Nancy A. Cutts
Former scientist, landscape artist
Nancy Alice Cutts, 53, of 34 Ladeira Ave., Portsmouth, died Monday, March 3, 2003, after a battle with cancer. She was the wife of the late William Donald Cutts Jr. Born on Oct. 25, 1949, in Cambridge, Mass., she was a daughter of the late Robert J. and Laura M. (Shine) Roth. Raised in Watertown, Mass., she lived in various cities in Connecticut and Massachusetts before settling in Rehoboth. She moved to Portsmouth in 1994. A 1971 graduate of Regis College with a bachelor's degree in biology, she attended graduate school at Mount Holyoke College from 1971 to 1973. She completed her master's degree in 1982 while working at the Boston University Medical School. Mrs. Cutts worked as an electron microscopist at Boston-area hospitals for many years. She also worked in the Pathology Department at Rhode Island Hospital, in the EM Diagnostic Laboratory, from 1984 to 1988. After her husband's death in 1988, she left the medical field and worked as a graphic artist for Otis Dyer Surveying in Rehoboth. More recently, she pursued her interest in watercolor and pastel art. An artist member of the Wickford Art Association and the Newport Artist Guild, she was best known for her landscapes. She had exhibited her work in several local galleries and many shows. She leaves four brothers, Richard C. Roth of South Deerfield, Mass., David J. Roth of Hollis, N.H., and John B. and Paul F. Roth, both of Burlington, Mass.; three sisters, Rosemary Bawn of Stow, Mass., Joanne Roth of Somerville, Mass., and Regina Johnson of Woburn, Mass.; two step-daughters, Suzanne Cutts of San Francisco and Sharon Metras of Pepperell, Mass.; a stepson, Robert Cutts of Pepperell; a companion, Gardiner B. Reynolds III of Portsmouth; and many nieces and nephews. Her funeral will be held Saturday, March 8 at 1 p.m. in the Connors Funeral Home, 55 West Main Road, Portsmouth.

Mildred Rutter
Longtime Salvation Army volunteer
Mildred (West) Rutter, 88, of 735 Main Road, Tiverton, died Friday, Feb. 28, 2003, at Sakonnet Bay Manor. She was the wife of the late George Edward Rutter. Born in Fall River, she was a daughter of the late Edward and Kathryn (Emmerson) West. She lived in Fall River before moving to Tiverton, where she lived for most of her life. Mrs. Rutter worked as a packer for the former Schneirson Co. for many years, and as a cashier for the former Adams Drugs. A Salvation Army volunteer for over 70 years, she served as a member of its advisory board and as a holiday collector at the South End Stop & Shop for many years. She leaves a son, David Rutter of Tiverton; seven grandchildren, Kathy Desmaris, Barbara Lachance, Alyssa Montembault, Kimberly Pineau and Leanne, Wayne and Scott Rutter; seven great-grandchildren and four great-great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. She was the mother of the late Raymond and George Rutter, and sister of the late Arthur, Edward and Doris West, and Raymond and Irene Smith. Her funeral was held Wednesday, from Boule Funeral Home in Fall River, with a service in the Salvation Army chapel in Fall River. Burial was in Oak Grove Cemetery in Fall River.

Mary A. Davis
Waitress at St. George School, LaForge Tea Room
Mary A. (Broadbent) Davis, 95, of Howland Road died Sunday, March 2, 2003, at Charlton Memorial Hospital after a brief illness. She was the widow of Leslie "Bud" A. Davis. Born in Fall River, she was the daughter of the late William and the late Mary (Longworth) Broadbent. She had lived in Westport since 1930. Mrs. Davis was employed as a waitress at various establishments, including St. George School in Middletown, R.I., and the former LaForge Tea Room in Newport., R.I. , until her retirement. She was a member of the Little Compton United Congregational Church in Little Compton, R.I., and of the Senior Citizens of Little Compton. She leaves a sister, Ruth A. Fuller of Little Compton; several nieces and nephews; and several grand-nieces and nephews. She was the sister of the late William, Harry, Alfred and Fred Broadbent. Memorial services will be held Saturday, March 8, at 11 a.m. at Little Compton United Congregational Church. Interment will be private. Arrangements are by Potter Funeral Home, 81 Reed Road, Westport.

Dorothy J. Raftery
Retired telephone operator
Dorothy J. (Cass) Raftery, 84, of Hambly Road, Tiverton, died Saturday, March 1, 2003, at Clifton Rehabilitative Nursing Center in Somerset. She was the wife of the late Daniel F. Raftery. Born in Fall River, she was a daughter of the late Alfred and Margaret (Newberry) Cass. She had lived in Fall River for many years before moving to Tiverton 50 years ago. Mrs. Raftery worked as a switchboard operator for St. Anne's Hospital in Fall River, and as a telephone operator for the former New England Telephone Company for many years before retiring in 1984. She was a member of the Telephone Pioneers of America. She was a 1936 graduate of BMC Durfee High School in Fall River. She leaves a son, John A. Raftery of Trinity, Fla.; a sister, Phyllis LePage of Fall River; a grandson, Daniel P. Raftery of Tiverton; and nieces and nephews. Her funeral was held Wednesday, March 5 from Auclair Funeral Home in Fall River, with a funeral Mass in St. Christopher Church in Tiverton. Burial was in St. Patrick's Cemetery in Fall River.