Sarah D. (Souza) Lawton
Sarah D. (Souza) Lawton, loving mother, grandmother and friend, of Mattapoisett, passed away peacefully on December 29, 2025 at Alden Court Nursing Care and Rehabilitation Center. She was born in New Bedford to the late Arthur G. and Olivia B. (Ellis) Souza. She leaves behind her son, Arthur W. Lawton and his wife Kimberly of Fairhaven; her daughter, Kathleen Coughlin and her husband Francis of Mattapoisett; her granddaughter Rylie Olivia Coughlin, the greatest blessing in her life, her "buddy and best friend", and her dear friends Elizabeth Ann Bruce and the late Herman Bruce. She was predeceased by her beloved cousin and friend Harriet Ane Didriksen.
Sarah was a Teacher's Aide at Parker and Carney Academy Elementary schools in New Bedford before taking a job at the New Bedford Gas & Electric Company, now Eversource, where she worked for over 25 years, making lasting friendships. After retirement, Sarah was a hostess at Mike's Restaurant, another place where she made lasting friendships. In fact, Sarah seemed to make friends wherever she went.
She loved to travel, practiced yoga regularly, and was a member of the Mattapoisett Congregational Church where she sang in the choir and sat on the flower committee.
But her greatest joy of all was spending time with her granddaughter Rylie. They loved to shop, go out to eat, have sleepovers, eat sweets and watch the cooking channel.
Her family would like to thank Alden Court and the many staff members who provided loving & compassionate care to Sarah.
In accordance with her wishes, she will be cremated and a Celebration of Life held on Friday, January 9th, 2026 at 10:00am at the Mattapoisett Congregational Church. Relatives and friends are invited to attend.
In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made in her name to Massachusetts Eye & Ear, 243 Charles Street, Boston, MA 02114 or the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, 450 Brookline Avenue, Boston, MA 02215.
Arrangements are with the Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home for Funerals, 50 County Rd. (Rt. 6), Mattapoisett. For online guestbook, visit www.saundersdwyer.com.
