Kathleen Anne Sankey Cardoza, 59, of New Bedford, Mass., died peacefully Sunday with her loving husband by her side, after a long fight from a traumatic brain injury on Dec. 30, 1991.

Born in Butler, Aug. 1, 1945, she was the daughter of the late Raymond and Harriett Gillis Sankey.

A 1963 graduate of Butler High School, she served in the Navy during the Vietnam War and attained the rank of petty officer 3rd class. Following her retirement from the Navy, she continued to work for the Navy in the computer department.

She was very involved in her community and served as a Girl Scout and Cub Scout leader. She also taught CDC at St. Lawrence Catholic Church, New Bedford, and gave her time and talents to Holy Family-Holy Name Catholic School and her community.

She leaves to cherish memories her husband, Paul F. Cardoza; a son, Adam P. Cardoza of Gunther, Texas; a daughter, Antonia Beth Cardoza of Fall River, Mass.; and three grandchildren, Dartanyon, Alexakai and Brayleigh Cardoza, all of Gunther. Also surviving are her brothers, John L. Sankey of Martinez, Ga., James K. Sankey of Meridian, Miss., Paul D. Sankey of Contoocook, N.H., and Charles R. Sankey of Westerville, Ohio; a sister, Sharonbeth S. Brauksieck of Clifton Park, N.Y.; and a host of loving aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins.

CARDOZA - A Mass of Christian burial for Kathleen Anne Sankey Cardoza, who died Sunday, May 29, 2005, was celebrated today at St. Lawrence Catholic Church, New Bedford. Burial was at Otis Servicemen's Cemetery, Bourne, Mass.The family sends a special thank you to all those who have prayed for Kathy over the past 14 years. Well-wishes for the family may be mailed to 235 Chancery St., New Bedford, MA 02740