Mrs. Rita L. (Boivin) Bedard, of Taunton, died Sunday, November 8 in Marian Manor following a brief illness. She was the beloved wife of the late Philip H. Bedard. She was born 94 years ago in Taunton, the daughter of the late Euclid and Mathilda (Mador) Boivin. She was educated in Taunton, having graduated from the former St. Jacques Grammar School and St. Mary’s High School, and had been a lifelong city resident. Prior to her retirement, Rita had been employed as an inspector for Texas Instruments in Attleboro for 16 years. Following retirement, she was employed on a part time basis for CMS Components in Bridgewater for several years. She was previously employed at Chadmore’s, Ansonia Mills, and had assisted at her family’s former store. Rita was a “plane spotter” during World War II. She was a member of L’Union St. Jean Baptiste, Conseil No. 53, the St. Jude the Apostle Parish Womens Guild, and the former Friendly Senior Citizens Club. She also was active in several Mother’s Clubs during her childrens’ education, and was a member of the Mission Club and the Majorettes during her high school years. She enjoyed sewing, reading, traveling and spending time with her family. She was a communicant of St. Jude the Apostle Parish in Taunton.
She leaves: 4 sons: Deacon Philip E. Bedard and his wife, Alice, Gerard J. Bedard and his wife, Janet, Paul L. Bedard, and Robert T. Bedard and his wife, Joyce, all of Taunton; 3 daughters: Lucille R. Morris and her husband, Gordon of Berkley, Annette M. Campbell and her husband, David of Lakeville, and Denise M. Hartwell and her husband, Dennis of Taunton; 1 sister: Maria Donnelly of Taunton, 17 grandchildren, 15 great grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews. Rita was also the mother of the late David P. Bedard and Daniel M. Bedard, and the sister of the late Joseph Boivin, Euclid Boivin, Fr. Louis Boivin, Sr. Anna Imelda, S.U.S.C., Sr. Emma Boivin, S.S.J., Sr. Pauline Louise, S.U.S.C., Sr. Lucille Therese, S.U.S.C., Alma Pelletier, Ida Boivin, Arthur Boivin and Alphonse Boivin.
Funeral services will be held from The Riendeau-Mulvey Funeral Home, 467 Bay Street, on Friday, November 13 at 9:00 A.M. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow in St. Jude the Apostle Church at 10:00 A.M. Interment will be in Cedar Knoll Cemetery, E. Taunton. Relatives and friends are invited to attend. Visiting Hours will be held on Thursday, from 5:00 to 8:00 P.M.