Rita V. Blanchette

Born in New Bedford, one of six children of the late Paul and Corinne (Gaboriault) Poisson she was a lifelong city resident.

During World War II, she worked in the Goodyear Plant building life rafts for the war efforts. She then worked for Peirce Garment Company sewing there for 30 years. Rita went on to work in the accounting department at Arlan’s Department Store for 5 years. She also worked for the New Bedford School Department for six years. She enjoyed knitting, crocheting, and sewing. She loved being outside and tending to her garden. She was a member of the Holy Name of the Sacred Heart Club, Dame de St. Anne and the St. Anthony’s Senior Club.

She is survived by a daughter, Doris Bertrand and husband Paul of Louisville, KY and Naples, FL; a son, William Blanchette of Braintree and Winter Haven, FL; a granddaughter Jennifer Bertrand-Smith and her husband Dr. Christopher Smith; two great grandchildren, Conner and Samuel Smith; and many nieces and nephews. She was the sister of the late Paul, Roland, and Omer Poisson and Roseanna “Flo” Valliere and Doris Sullivan.

Her visitation will be Thursday, November 17, 2016 beginning at 10 a.m. in the ROCK FUNERAL HOME, 1285 Ashley Blvd., New Bedford followed by a service at 11 a.m. in the funeral home. Committal prayers will take place in Sacred Heart Chapel, Mt. Pleasant St., New Bedford. www.rock-funeralhome.com for online tribute/directions.