Rita L. (Gould) Kennedy, 99, of Dartmouth passed away Monday, June 12, 2017 just nine days shy of her 100th birthday. She was the wife of the late Charles T. "Sham" Kennedy.
Born in New Bedford, daughter of the late Paul and Bride (Noseworthy) Gould, she lived in Fairhaven and Dartmouth for most of her life.
She was a graduate of Fairhaven High School and the New Bedford Beauty Academy, where she received her manicurist license.
Rita was formerly employed as a secretary at Aerovox Corporation and then later employed at Smith Mills Pharmacy and Mattapoisett Pharmacy until her retirement.
She was a former member of the Whaling City Golf Course and the Par-Tee Group. Years ago she was also an assistant Girl Scout Leader. She was an avid bowler and golfer.
She is survived by two daughters, Sandra Dalton of Westport and her companion Carlos Viana, and Sharon Kennedy of Dartmouth and her fiancé, Luis Pacheco; her sister, Norma Deneault of Dennis; her granddaughter, Kristen Dalton; and many nieces and nephews.
She was the sister of the late Irene Hathaway, Violet Surprenant, and Geraldine Caron.
Her Funeral will be held on Friday at 9 AM from the Saunders-Dwyer Home for Funerals, 495 Park St., New Bedford, followed by her Funeral Mass at St. Mary's Church, Dartmouth at 10 AM. Burial will follow in St. Mary's Cemetery. Visiting hours will be on Thursday from 4-7 PM. For directions and guestbook, please visit www.saundersdwyer.com.