FAIRHAVEN -- Dorothy A. (Poirier) Espindola, 71, died suddenly Tuesday, Aug. 27, 1996. She was the wife of Albert Espindola.

She and Mr. Espindola would have celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in October. She was the daughter of Diana (Bourgeois) Poirier of South Dartmouth and the late Philbert Poirier

She died at St. Luke's Hospital in New Bedford.

She was a resident of Fairhaven for the past 43 years and was employed by Almacs Supermarket in New Bedford as a cashier for 10 years, retiring in 1984.

Mrs. Espindola was a communicant of St. Joseph Church in Fairhaven, a Eucharistic minister and also a member of the St. Joseph's Couples Club. Through St. Mary's, she was a member of the Fresh Air Guild for four years. Mrs. Espinola also opened her home to mentally handicapped citizens for the past 12 years.

Survivors include her widower; her mother; seven daughters, Beverly Rousseau, Diane Tapper and Marilyn Espindola, all of Fairhaven, Janis Steed of Carver and Susan Breton, Donna Dwelly and Patricia Espindola, all of New Bedford; three sons, Richard Espindola and Robert Espindola, both of North Dartmouth, and Steven Espindola of New Bedford; two sisters, Lorraine Poirier of South Dartmouth and Irene Cormier of Dover, N.H.; a brother, Robert Poirier of New Bedford; 23 grandchildren; five great-grandchildren and many nieces, nephews, aunts and uncles.

She was also sister of the late Blanche Anthony and grandmother of the late David Rousseau.

Arrangements are by the Fairlawn Mortuary, 180 Washington St.

ESPINDOLA -- Dorothy A. (Poirier), age 71, of Fairhaven, Wife of Albert Espindola, Mother of Beverly Rousseau, Diane Tapper, Janis Steed, Susan Breton, Donna Dwelly, Marilyn, Patricia, Richard, Robert & Steven Espindola, Sister of Lorraine Poirier, Irene Cormier, Robert Poirier & the late Blanche Anthony. Grandmother of the late David Rousseau. Funeral Thurs., Aug. 29, 1996 at 9 am from the FAIRLAWN MORTUARY, 180 Washington St., Fairhaven, followed by a Funeral Mass at 10 am in St. Joseph's Church, Spring St., Fairhaven. Relatives & Friends invited. Visiting hours Wed. 4-8 pm. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to the American Cancer Society, 1115 West Chestnut St., Brockton, MA 02401 or to the Special Olympics c/o Upper Cape Day Rehabilitation, P.O. Box 3388 Plymouth, MA 02631. Burial in Rural Cemetery.