Louise M. (Avila) Baptiste

Louise M. (Avila) Baptiste, 66, of New Bedford, Massachusetts, passed away peacefully on Saturday, August 1, 2026, at Hathaway Manor Extended Care, following a significant health decline, surrounded by her loving family.

Born in New Bedford, Louise was the daughter of George A. and Janet C. (Langis) Avila and the beloved widow of the late Steven M. Baptiste. A lifelong resident of New Bedford, she attended New Bedford High School and devoted her life to caring for others as a loving homemaker and caregiver.

Louise had a deep love for animals and found joy in collecting jewelry, pocketbooks, and sunglasses. She also enjoyed sharing stories, keeping up with family and friends, and never passed up a good conversation or bit of gossip. She will be remembered for her warmth, her sense of humor, and the love she shared with those closest to her.

Louise's memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.

She is survived by her brothers, Dennis A. Avila and Anthony J. Avila and her sister, Melissa J. Avila all of New Bedford, her brother, Christopher J. Avila and his wife Ruth J. Avila, of Seldon Long Island, as well as her niece, Olivia M. Camp and her husband Gary Camp of Beacon Falls, CT; 1 uncle, 3 aunts and several cousins.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to all of the staff at Hathaway Manor for the compassionate care, kindness, and love they showed her. Your dedication and the way you cared for her like family will always be remembered with deep gratitude.

Louise’s visiting hours and funeral services will be held on Friday, August 7, 2026. Visiting hours will be held at Perry Funeral Home from 9:00am – 10:30am and followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at St. Lawrence Church at 11:00am. Burial will immediately follow in Rural cemetery.

Arrangements are by Perry Funeral Home, 111 Dartmouth Street, New Bedford, Massachusetts, which offers convenient facilities, including a lighted parking lot and wheelchair accessibility for attendees.