Joan M. (Fernandez) Pacheco

Joan Maureen Pacheco (Fernandez) passed away at Heatherwood Nursing and Rehab Center in Newport, RI on December 31, 2021 after a brief illness. She was the daughter of the late Louise Davoll( Benoit) and the late Frank Fernandez , both of New Bedford, MA.

She is survived by her husband, Michael Pacheco of Bristol. RI , her children Maureen Frates of Florence, MA, Marjorie Helger of Tiverton, RI , Mark Picanso of New Bedford,MA and her step son Michael Pacheco, JR of NH. Mrs Pacheco loved her grandchldren dearly, Happy Frates Montague, Erick and Juia Dupree, Katie Helger and Keith and Jesse Picanso. She has five great grand children.

Mrs. Pacheco graduated from Cape Cod Hospital School of Nursing in 1954. She had a long and distinguished career having practiced for 60 years. She retired at the age of 80 in 2012. Besides her love of nursing, Mrs Pacheco was a gifted piano player. She enjoyed theater, the arts and loved dancing. She was an avid reader. She is known as a great party planner and hosted many of them in her home. She was a great cook, a fun loving host and the life of any party. Her favorite holiday was Halloween and is remembered for her many costumes over the years.

Mrs Pacheco was a member of the Church of Christ, Fall River, MA and loved her church family. A memorial service is planned at the Church of Christ, Fall River for March, 2022 followed by a graveside service at the Riverside Cemetery in Fairhaven, MA.

Family and friends will be notified. Details to follow

The family would like to express it's sincere gratitude to the staff of Heatherwood Nursing Center and to Beacon Hospice for their professional and compassionate care of our loved one.