Rita M. Fontes

Born in Fogo, Cape Verde Island on December 26, 1922, she came to America in 1960.

She survived her husband Antonio Fontes, mother Maria Mendes and her siblings Joseph Fontes, Ambrozina Mendes, Vitalina Mendes, Ivo Mendes, and Edwino Mendes.

She also leaves her nieces and nephews Carlotta Silva in Portugal, Figenia Barbosa in Fogo, Cape Verde, Cristina Santos of Bridgewater, MA, David Mendes of Scituate, MA, Tina Barnett of Dorchester, MA, Ruth McCravy of Scituate, MA, Daniel Mendes of Scituate, MA, Paul Mendes, of Scituate, MA and many other nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, as well as great great nieces, great great nephews and many, many god children.

Rita lived a long and fulfilled life. Despite having major surgery as a child, leaving her partially deaf in one ear, to having complications later in life, rendering her completely deaf- she was not one to let her obstacles define her. Living nearly a century, she witnessed history, both good and bad, yet throughout her 98 years of life, she always maintained an upbeat, positive attitude.

She had a heart of gold, and her generosity was of abundance. She assisted many of the immigrating Cape Verdeans in their transition to the United States by opening up her home, until they had the means to establish a life of their own. During this time, she shared stories while getting to know each of these individuals. She truly made an impact on everyone she surrounded herself with.

She was such a people person! She loved to be around family and friends. Whenever there was a gathering, she was the first person everyone called, to make her famous pastels! And if there was a party to be had- you could always catch her on the dance floor!

Rita was the historian of our family. She loved each one of us, and never shied away from informing us about our lineage and history of our relatives in Cape Verde. She was captivating in how she conveyed her stories, not only peeking our interests, but always keeping us laughing while doing so.

Though she will be greatly missed, she will forever be in our hearts.

A visitation will take place on Sunday October 31, 2021 from 4-8pm at Richardson-Gaffey Funeral Home, 382 First Parish Road, Scituate. A Funeral Mass will be held on Monday November 1, 2021 at 10am from St. Mary of the Nativity Church, 1 Kent Street, Scituate.