Rita Theresa Rivard

Born in New Bedford, a daughter of the late Aldelard and Florida (McGuinness) Benoit, she was a lifelong resident of the city.

Mrs. Rivard worked as a Telephone Operator for the New Bedford School Department for many years, before retiring in 1991. She enjoyed playing bingo and spending time with her family.

She is survived by one son; Gerard R. Rivard Jr. and his wife Lisa of Fairhaven, two daughters; Susan Leclair of Fort Myers, Florida and Jeanne Wiley of New Bedford, five grandchildren; Jeffrey Leclair, Kimberlee Nashold, Jonathan Wiley, Kerri Rivard, Erin Scott, two great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. She was also the sister of the late Florence Moore, Joseph Benoit and Irene Furtak.

Her Funeral Mass will be held Tuesday, January 17, 2012 at 10 AM in Saint Mary Church, Main Street, Fairhaven. Relatives and friends are invited. Burial private. Arrangements in care of the Rock Funeral Home, 1285 Ashley Blvd, New Bedford. Contributions in her honor may be made to the American Heart Association, 20 Speen Street, Framingham, MA 01701. For tributes: www.Rock-funeralhome.com