Marilou Harb

Marilou (Francis) Harb, 79, of Sarasota and Dartmouth, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, July 22, 2025, at St. Luke’s Hospital in New Bedford with her son by her side. Lovingly known as “Mary” she was the beloved wife of Robert Harb, with whom she shared 27 years of marriage.

Born in New Bedford, Mary was the daughter of the late Manuel and Louise (Bariteau) Francis. She was a sales associate at the former Bruce’s Carpet in New Bedford. Prior to that she was employed at Rodney Metals. Mary was also a Pharmacy technician/cashier in Longboat Key, Florida for several independent pharmacies. In addition, she was an active member of the Country Club of New Bedford for over 20 years and belonged to Anthony Beach in Dartmouth.

Mary and Bob moved to Florida and became snowbirds about 25 years ago. They met wonderful friends in their Long Boat Key and Sarasota communities. Mary loved to entertain; hosting many holiday celebrations, pizza parties and super bowl parties for friends and family. In Sarasota, she also loved playing mahjong, lunching with friends, bringing her iced tea and famous meatballs to Thirsty Thursdays and making a dish for their special dinner nights. Mary loved all the dishes everyone else brought, always expressing how delicious they were. She will be greatly missed by her loving family and friends.

In addition to her husband Bob, Marilou is survived by her son Jonathan R. Gifford and his wife Franca of New Bedford; a sister Ruth Hebert of Florida, stepdaughters Karen Harb of Dartmouth and Ann Raymond of Vineyard Haven; grandchildren Sara E. Gifford, Caitlyn M. Gifford, Nicholas Raymond, Madison Raymond, and Jacob Christian. Mary is predeceased by her stepdaughter Susan Christian.

Her visitation will be held on Sunday, August 10, 2025, from 5-7pm at the Waring-Sullivan Home at Dartmouth, 230 Russells Mills Rd., Dartmouth. Her Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, August 11, 2025, at 10AM at St. Mary's Church, 795 Dartmouth St., Dartmouth, followed by her burial at the Sacred Heart Cemetery in New Bedford. Flowers are welcome or memorial contributions in her honor may be made to the American Heart Association, 93 Worcester St., Wellesley, MA 02481. To place an online tribute or for directions, please visit: www.waring-sullivan.com