NEW BEDFORD — Rita P. Gatenby, 81, of New Bedford, MA, passed away peacefully on March 5, 2019. She was surrounded by love.
As a mother, grandmother, great grandmother and friend, she will be missed by all that knew her, loved her, and cared for her well being with the greatest compassion, dignity and strength.
She was born in England on August 17, 1937, the daughter of Horace and Anne Mae (Munns) Childs. She was married to and treasured by her late husband James D. Gatenby, Jr. for 47 years. As an Evangelical Christian, she was faithful in sharing the word of God.
Rita was a proud wife, mother and homemaker. The joys of her life were her three children, her loving caregivers, attending church, playing the organ, cooking, baking, holidays, swimming, Sunday car rides, fish and chips (English batter), angels, having her hair done, laughing, hugs, holding your hand, and the time she spent with her family and friends.
She is survived by her daughter, Janice (Gatenby) Sansoucy and husband Dennis; her daughter, Debra (Gatenby) Ferreira and husband Roland; her son, James D. Gatenby III and wife Melissa; sister, Shiela Hayes of England; nieces and nephews, Anne, Joey, Jimmy, Denise and Kim of England; grandchildren, Misty, Michael, Eric, Brendan, Jameson, and Addyson; great-grandchildren, Holden, Tristan, Hadley, Charlotte and Evelyn.
A private service will be held to celebrate her life and legacy.
Memorial donations in lieu of flowers may be made in Rita’s name to: Hathaway Manor Activity Department c/o Wanda Hardy