Elaine R. (Beauparland) Lima

“ Just remember in the winter

Far beneath the bitter snow

Lies the seed that with the sun’s love

In the spring becomes the rose”

Elaine Rose (Beauparland) Lima, age 90, of New Bedford, MA, passed away on Tuesday, December 30, 2025, at the Royal of Fairhaven Nursing Home, surrounded by the love of her family. She was the cherished wife of Manuel F. Lima Jr., sharing a bond through 62 years of marriage that was a testament to devotion and love throughout their years together.

Lovingly remembered as a hard worker and fighter, coming into this world weighing only 2 pounds. Born on October 13, 1935, Elaine was a beloved daughter of the late Ernest Beauparland and Mary (Almeida) Beauparland. She was the sister to the late Connie Bernier and Norma Correia.

Always a cheerleader for her city, her roots in New Bedford were deep, reflected not only in her spirit but also in her contributions to the local community. She was involved in numerous committees within her community, some of which include the Rotary Club, President of First Night, Miss Massachusetts, American Business Women's Association, Downtown Chamber of Commerce, 50’s Night and Downtown New Bedford Inc.

Ingenuity ran deep. For many years, Elaine was the proud Proprietor of Elaine’s T-Shirts and Costumes in downtown New Bedford, where her creativity and entrepreneurial spirit shone brightly, through every T - Shirt she created. Creating the city’s well known Black Whale trademark, she sold shirts that have been seen worldwide. She left a lasting impact on those who frequented her shop and to the city in which she loved.

Never to be forgotten, Elaine is survived by her husband, Manuel F. Lima Jr., her children: Mark and his wife Kerri of Cape Coral, Florida, Sharon and her husband Charles of New Bedford, and Wayne and his wife Wendy of New Bedford, MA. Her grandchildren: Julianna, Chloe, Jocelyn, Marcus, Kate and Laura. Her siblings: Roberta Strakaluse and Butch Beauparland.

Elaine’s Extraordinaire was the name of her first store. Elaine's legacy will be remembered through the warmth and caring ways that she brought into the lives of those who knew and loved her. Her memory will continue to live on in the hearts of her family and friends as well as the city she loved. Many lives were enriched and touched by her kindness, presence and involvement in our community.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to:

Community Nurse 62 Center Street Fairhaven, Ma. 02719; as well as AHA 350 Union St, New Bedford, MA 02740

Elaine’s visiting hours and funeral service will be held with her cremains at St. Lawrence Martyr Catholic Church, located on 110 Summer St, New Bedford, MA 02740 on Saturday, January 10, 2026. Visiting hours will be held from 10:00 A.M. - 11:00 A.M. with a Mass to follow beginning at 11:00 A.M.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Perry Funeral Home located at 111 Dartmouth Street, New Bedford, MA 02740.