M.V. Oriana (Rioux) Hebert, 85, of New Bedford died February 13, 2016 at the Oaks Nursing Home with her loving family by her side.
Born in New Bedford, the daughter of the late Eli J. and Bertha L. (Rainbeault) Rioux, she lived in New Bedford and Acushnet all of her life.
She was formerly employed as a payroll supervisor at Morse Cutting Tools for 38 years until her retirement.
She was a graduate of St. Anthony's High School and Kinyon Campbell Business School.
Oriana was a free spirited kind and loving person. Her greatest enjoyment in life was being in the company of her children and grandchildren.
She loved the theatre as much as she loved to travel.
Anyone who knew Oriana knew that she was quick to become friends with anyone she met. Oriana's greatest gift was her quick wit and ability to show ultimate kindness to anyone who knew her.
In her golden years, Oriana became an advocate for other seniors, helping them to navigate the many challenges in acquiring adequate healthcare coverage.
Oriana had the ability to inspire young single mothers on the dignity of raising children as a single parent. She was a past president of the New Bedford Guild for the Blind.
She developed an amazing talent for painting during her residency at the Oaks Nursing Home.
Her family would like to thank all the staff at the Oaks Nursing Home for the compassion, love and absolute wonderful care they gave her.
Survivors include her 3 children, Jacqueline M. Bragga and her husband George of Acushnet, Gerry Hebert and his partner Beth Sweet of East Freetown and Janine Holmes and her husband Donald of Taunton; 5 grandchildren, Kyle Hebert, Kara Hebert, Kori Hebert, Paul Saucier and Greg Saucier and his wife Melissa; 4 great-grandchildren, Audrey, Cole, Ethan and Emma.
She was the sister of the late Roger, Lionel, Albert, Anthony and Paul Rioux, Anita Baptiste, Lucille Dextraze and Lorraine Leclair.
Her Funeral will be held on Wednesday, February 17th at 10 AM from the Saunders-Dwyer Home for Funerals, 495 Park St., New Bedford, followed by her Funeral Mass at St. Anthony's Church at 11 AM. Burial will follow in the Acushnet Cemetery. Visiting hours will be on Tuesday, February 16th from 4-8 PM. In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to the Oaks Nursing Home Activities Fund, 4525 Acushnet Ave., New Bedford, MA 02745.