Rita M. Pires

Born in New Bedford, daughter of the late Israel and Victoria (Dubois) St. Pierre, she was a lifelong resident of the city.

Mrs. Pires was a communicant of St. Julie Billiart Church and received the Marian Medal from the former St. Anne’s Church. She enjoyed knitting, reading, crossword puzzles, playing cards and Bingo and trips to Foxwoods. Most of all, she loved spending time with her great-grandchildren. Rita’s family would like to thank the staff at Sacred Heart Home for their wonderful care and compassion.

Her family includes a son, Richard Pires and wife Ruth of Rotonda West, FL; three daughters, Maryann Sousa and husband Ilidio of New Bedford, Janet Estrella of Dartmouth and Susan Russo and husband Carl of New Bedford; eleven grandchildren; ten great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. She was the mother-in-law of the late Donald Estrella.

Her Funeral will be held on Saturday, September 20, 2014 at 9am from the Waring-Sullivan Home of Memorial Tribute at Dartmouth, 230 Russells Mills Rd., Dartmouth followed by a Funeral Mass at 10am in St. Julie Billiart Church, 494 Slocum Rd., Dartmouth. Visiting hours Friday 4-8pm. Burial in Sacred Heart Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Sacred Heart Home, 359 Summer St., New Bedford, MA 02740.