Emelda J. (Deforge) Westgate, 78, of Fairhaven, formerly of New Bedford and Wareham, died Thursday, July 14, 2011 at The Royal of Fairhaven Nursing Home after a period of declining health. She was the wife of the late Frederic L. Westgate, with whom she shared 39 years of marriage.

Born and raised in Lewiston, ME, she was the daughter of the late Leo & Imelda (Martel) Deforge.

Mrs. Westgate worked for Cameo Curtains in New Bedford. She was also a hairdresser for 20 years at the Brigham Street Cameo Beauty Salon in New Bedford. She worked for A.P.S. Medical Billing in Wareham after she retired.

She enjoyed watching the Red Sox, reading, playing cards, crocheting and cooking. She was an avid animal lover.

Mrs. Westgate was the mother of Deborah J. McAlpine and her husband Myles of Clinton, CT, Michael W. Westgate and his wife Mary of New Bedford, and Cindy M. Lemaire and her husband Michael of Fairhaven; she was the sister of Leo Deforge and Marcel Deforge both of Greene, ME; Maurice Deforge of Bend, OR; Amelia (Thurman) of Lilburn, GA; she was the grandmother of Rebecca, Jennifer, Gary, Joshua, Heather, and Teddy and great-grandmother of James, Shannon, Arthur, and Carter. She was predeceased by her sister, the late Theresa Boulanger and her grandson, the late Adam McAlpine.

In accordance with her wishes, a memorial service and burial of cremains will be private.

Donations in her memory may be made to your local animal shelter or a charity of your choice. Arrangements by Chapman, Cole & Gleason Funeral Home, Wareham. To leave a message of condolence, please visit: www.ccgfuneralhome.com.