Anne Elizabeth "Betty" (Rawcliffe) Rymszewicz, 87, of New Bedford died Monday December 12, 2016 at Our Lady's Haven. She was the wife of the late Richard B. "Dick" Rymszewicz.
Born in New Bedford, daughter of the late Rhoda (Harrison) and Thomas Rawcliffe, Jr., she lived in New Bedford for most of her life. She was a proud graduate of New Bedford High School, Class of 1947.
In her younger years, Betty worked at the Merchants National Bank where she met her husband Dick and they married in 1951. In later years she lived at the Caroline Apartments in New Bedford, where she made many friendships that she cherished.
She was an avid knitter who took great pride in making sweaters for her family and friends. Your wardrobe wasn't complete without a sweater from Auntie Betty.
A self-taught pianist, she enjoyed playing the piano at family functions and holiday gatherings. She took great pride in the fact that her oldest grandchild, Craig, followed in her footsteps playing the piano and organ.
Betty was the loved and cherished mother of Karen and Susan and was a special grandmother who played an important role in the lives of her grandchildren.
Her daughters are especially grateful for the extraordinary, compassionate and loving care their mother received from the staff at Our Lady's Haven. They treated her with grace and dignity through the last difficult years of her life.
Survivors include two daughters, Karen E. Medeiros and her companion Michael Darcy of Westport, and Susan A. Oliveira and her companion Alex Naja of New Bedford; a brother, Robert Rawcliffe of New Bedford; four grandchildren, Craig R. Oliveira, Christine M. Oliveira, Bryan D. Oliveira, and Randall R. Medeiros; and four great-grandchildren, Mason, Gavin, Kamryn, and Bella.
She was the grandmother of the late Kevin J. Oliveira, and the sister of the late Leonard Rawcliffe and Dorothy Rawcliffe.
Her Funeral will be held on Wednesday December 14, 2016 at 8 AM from the Saunders-Dwyer Home for Funerals, 495 Park St., New Bedford, followed by her Funeral Mass at St. Lawrence Church at 9 AM. Burial will be in Sacred Heart Cemetery. Visiting hours will be on Tuesday, December 13, from 4-7 PM. Remembrances may be made to Our Lady's Haven, 71 Center St., Fairhaven, MA 02719. For directions and guestbook, please visit www.saundersdwyer.com.