Joan E. (Costa) Elias

Joan Elizabeth Elias, née Costa, 89, of Acushnet, passed away peacefully in the company of her family at St. Luke’s Hospital in New Bedford on Sunday, December 28, 2025. She was born on September 5, 1936, in Fairhaven, to Louis Daniel Costa and Mary Gloria Pauline.

As the oldest daughter in her family, Joan carried significant responsibilities from a young age. She once remarked that “being the oldest [daughter] wasn’t fun,” a reflection of the sacrifices she made when she left school as a teenager to help care for her younger siblings. This devotion to family would remain a defining theme throughout her life.

At the age of 24, Joan met her future husband, Americo B. Elias, at his convenience store in Mattapoisett. They were married on her birthday in 1960, and their union would last over 65 years.

Joan strived to create a joyful home for her children. She loved music, often singing nursery rhymes and playing Christmas music while her kids decorated the tree. She took her children swimming at Mary’s Pond, baked their favorite cakes for birthdays, and brought them to the beach to toss messages in bottles which was usually followed by a stop at Friendly’s.

A skilled homemaker, cook, and baker, Joan ensured that her children and grandchildren were always welcomed with hot meals. Her Sunday dinners were a fixture of family life for decades. When not preparing feasts, or hosting events like her annual 4th of July BBQ, she and Americo enjoyed dancing at the 6 Bristol Club, attending meat raffles at the VFW, taking cruises through the Caribbean, and traveling to Portugal to visit Americo’s relatives.

Her grandchildren remember joyful summers playing in the pool or sandbox under Joan’s watchful eye, baking pies and muffins with berries from her yard, and receiving thoughtful Christmas gifts from their grandmother. Each year included one gag gift wrapped in multiple nested boxes.

Throughout her life, Joan faced many health challenges. Despite these struggles, her love for and from her family never wavered. She and Americo instilled in their children and grandchildren a deep sense of duty to their family.

Joan is survived by her husband of 65 years, Americo B. Elias; her sister, Linda Santos; her children: Mark A. Elias, Lori A. Elias, Stephen E. Elias, Teresa M. Davignon, and Linda J. Elias; 13 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; siblings Louis P. Costa, Kathleen A. Baumgartner, Patricia M. Audette; and her son James M. Elias.

A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Francis Xavier Church in Acushnet on Saturday, January 10, 2026, at 10:30 AM followed by a gathering at the Century House in Acushnet at 12 PM.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the staff at Sippican Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center in Marion, as well as St. Luke’s Hospital and Tobey Hospital, for their compassionate care.

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