Rita D. (Berube) Mendes, 84, of New Bedford died December 18, 2017 at Sacred Heart Home after a long illness.
She was the wife of the late James Mendes.
Born in New Bedford, the daughter of the late Milton E. and Mary D. (Neves) Berube, she lived in New Bedford all of her life.
Mrs. Mendes was a communicant of St. Mary's Church in New Bedford.
She was formerly employed by New Bedford Institution For Savings for 45 years retiring as vice president and branch manager of the Historic District branch.
Rita enjoyed volunteering her time with the United Way, NEBCOA, Schwartz Center and was on the very first committee for the Relay For Life of Greater New Bedford.
Survivors include her son, Jeffery Mendes and his wife Jeanne of Fairhaven; a sister, Hilda Valentinsen of Marysville, WA; a grandson, Jonathan Mendes and his wife Renee of Wakefield, RI; a granddaughter-in-law, Kristen Mendes of New Bedford; 3 great-grandchildren, Olivia, Rhea and Leo; and several nieces and nephews.
She was the grandmother of the late Jason Mendes and the sister of the late Mary Lou Francis.
Her Funeral will be held on Friday, December 22nd at 7:45 AM from the Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home for Funerals, 50 County Rd., Route 6, Mattapoisett, followed by her Funeral Mass at St. Mary's Church, New Bedford at 9 AM. Visiting hours will be on Thursday, December 21st from 4-7 PM. Burial will follow in Pine Grove Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to the Schwartz Center for Children, 1 Posa Pl., Dartmouth, MA 02747.