Rita Souza

Born in New Bedford, Rita was the daughter of the late Oliva and Antoinette (Bergeron) Quintin. In her younger years, Rita enjoyed singing and performed as a country singer with Pop and His Western Jamboree Band alongside her father and several of her siblings. She never lost her love of music and would often delight family and friends by sharing songs from her childhood.

Rita worked at Jemy Sportswear alongside her sister Jeanne and made many lifelong friendships throughout her years of working.

A devoted parishioner of Immaculate Conception Church, Rita was the recipient of the Marian Medal and served as President of Our Lady of the Rosary. She also generously volunteered her time in the rectory and taught CCD for many years. Her faith and desire to help others were central parts of her life.

Rita's caring nature extended into her community. She will be fondly remembered by many as a Girl Scout Leader for Troop 157, which she founded in 1966 and continued for 12 years as both her daughters participated. She loved teaching the girls through crafts, songs, and activities as they worked toward earning their badges, bringing much enthusiasm to every meeting. She also volunteered as a reader during story time at her local library.

Rita had many interests and hobbies that brought her joy. She loved gardening, crafting, embroidery, crocheting and sewing. She enjoyed watching the Celtics, playing cards, working on puzzles, and playing dominoes. She grew up speaking French and later, after meeting Eddie, learned Portuguese, becoming fluent in both languages. Rita and Eddie especially enjoyed going to local restaurants together, where they loved socializing with other patrons and making new friends.

Above all, Rita cherished her family. She found her greatest happiness in spending time with those she loved. She was one of the most positive and generous people, always willing to give her time, encouragement, and love to others. Her kindness touched countless lives, and she will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and all who were fortunate enough to know her.

Rita leaves behind a beautiful legacy of love, faith, family, friendship, music, and service to others. Her memory will live on in the many lives she touched and, in the songs, stories, traditions, and countless acts of kindness she leaves behind.

Rita was predeceased by her husband Edward Souza and she was the sister of Theresa Damiano of Providence and Leonard Quintin of Dartmouth and the late Paul Quintin, Roger Quintin, Jeanne Quintin, Doris Quintin and Lucille Alfonso. She is survived by her loving daughters, Joann Aubut and her husband Richard of South Dartmouth, and Donna Wade and her husband Glenn of North Reading. She was predeceased by her son Robert Souza of Cape Coral. Her grandchildren Jameson Aubut and his wife Keira, Taylor Aubut and his wife Ashleigh, Evan Wade and his wife Holly, Cameron Wade, Kaitlyn Becker and her husband Jason, and Shannon Schaeffer and her husband Paul, her five great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

Visiting hours will be held on Thursday, September 3, 2026 from 4:00-7:00 pm at the Rock Funeral Home, 1285 Ashley Blvd., New Bedford. Her Funeral Mass will be held on Friday, September 4, 2026 at 10:00 am at Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception Church, 136 Earle St., New Bedford followed by burial in Sacred Heart Cemetery.