Judith Soares

Judith Suzano Soares, of Ocean Springs, MS., formerly of Biloxi, departed this life peacefully at the youthful age of 89. Surrounded by her loving family, after suffering a recent stroke, she passed from this life and was received into the arms of God on February 8, 2006. Lovingly known as "Judy", she was the devoted wife of A.O. "Herman" Soares, her husband, of over 50 years until his death in 1994. As Portuguese immigrants, they came to the United States as young adults, later met and married. They worked hard and became successful opening a grocery store. Upon moving to Biloxi, they were pioneers in the seafood industry with business ventures in Brazil, Texas and Biloxi. She instilled in her children the value of hard work, compassion and a sense of humor. She was full of love and laughter. Apart from her many friends and family, her favorite pastime was golf. Judy was a charter member of Sunkist Country Club, once holding the title of "Mrs. Sunkist". She supported the arts, music and theatre as a member of Biloxi's Little Theatre, Jazz Society and other organizations. In her generosity, she was active in the Biloxi Elks Ladies Auxiliary. In her kindness, she volunteered for the Biloxi Regional Ladies Auxiliary. As a faithful Catholic, she was a longtime member of Nativity BVM and past member of Nativity BVM, Notre Dame and Sacred Heart Catholic School PTO's. In later years, bridge and bingo were her daily interests, followed by a good book. Her enthusiasm was reflected in her love of life. Judy will be remembered as a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and our friend. Those of us blessed to cherish her precious memories are her four children: Danny, and his wife, Brenda, of Springfield, VA., Victor, and his wife, Karen, of Beaumont, TX., Lorena Soares of Denver, CO., Herman, and his wife, Mary Paul, of Ocean Springs, MS., eight grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Those who knew her and loved her will miss her dearly. The family would like to invite you to a celebration of life at her visitation on Sunday, February 12, 2006, from 6-8 PM, with a 7 PM Rosary, at the Ocean Springs Chapel of Bradford O'Keefe Funeral Home. On Monday, February 13, 2006, there will be a 10 AM Mass of Christian Burial at St. Alphonsus Catholic Church in Ocean Springs, where friends may call from 9:30AM - 10:00 AM. Burial will follow in Biloxi City Cemetery. We would like to express our appreciation to all of the staff at Ocean Springs Hospital for the excellent and compassionate care given during her brief stay. In lieu of flowers the family prefers donations be made to St. Alphonsus Catholic School, 504 Jackson Ave. Ocean Springs, MS. 39564. . View and sign register book at www.bradfordokeefe.com.