Rita K. O'Donnell Perkins

Born in Fall River, a daughter of the late William F. and Katherine (McGowan) O’Donnell, she had been a lifelong resident of the city. She also wintered in Deerfield Beach, Florida for many years.

Mrs. Perkins was a graduate of B.M.C. Durfee High School, class of 1943. She worked at New England Telephone and Telegraph as a Telephone Operator for 43 years and was a member of the New England Telephone Pioneers. She was an active communicant of St. Joseph’s Church and taught the first graders C.C.D. for over 40 years.

She is survived by one son, William J. Perkins and his wife Colleen of Berkley, two daughters, Catherine Perkins of Fall River and Mary K. Woods and her husband Shawn of Waterbury Center, VT, one brother William F. O’Donnell and his wife Helen of Bridgewater and several nieces and nephews. She was the loving grandmother of Nathan and Matthew Perkins.

Her Funeral will be held Wednesday, December 22, 2010 at 9:00AM from the WARING-SULLIVAN HOME OF MEMORIAL TRIBUTE at CHERRY PLACE 178 Winter St. Fall River, followed by a Funeral Mass at 10:00AM in St. Joseph’s Church 1335 North Main St. Fall River. Visiting hours Tuesday from 4:00 to 7:00PM. Contributions in her honor may be made to St. Vincent de Paul Society c/o St. Joseph’s Church 1335 North Main St. Fall River, MA 02720 or to Coyle and Cassidy High School 2 Hamilton St. Taunton, MA 02780. Burial in St. Patrick’ Cemetery, Fall River.