Rita L. Laplante

Rita L. Laplante (98) of New Bedford passed away peacefully on Wednesday, October 6, 2021 at Sippican Healthcare Center after a brief illness. She was the beloved wife of the late Eugene L. Laplante with whom she shared 68 years of marriage.

She was born and raised in New Bedford and was the daughter of the late Joseph and Zelda (LeBlanc) Giroux. She was a communicant of St. Anthony of Padua Church in New Bedford her entire life.

Rita worked as a seamstress at Grinnel Pajama in New Bedford until her retirement. She enjoyed sewing for her family and friends, and playing cards with her sisters, in-laws, and grandchildren. She also loved trips to Foxwoods, and watching the Red Sox and Patriots.

She is survived by her four children, Denise Casper and her husband Eric of Glendale, Arizona, Madeleine Robidoux of New Hampshire, David Laplante and his wife Kathleen of Acushnet, Marc Laplante and his wife Suzanne of Acushnet; 10 grandchildren, Travis and Shawn Parent, Jason Robidoux, Alison Gobeil, Ivy Schmalzried, Phoebe Martin, Isaac Laplante, Ben Laplante, Erin Vautour, Molly Nobrega; 9 great-grandchildren, and 2 on the way; one sister Lorraine Gagnier and her husband Raymond of New Bedford; and many nieces and nephews.

Rita was sister of the late Doris Speary, Wilfred and Alphonse Giroux, Irene Frigault, Viola Sirois, Lillian Hardy, and Laurette Turcotte.

Calling hours: Friday, October 8, 2021, 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. MASKS REQUIRED, please.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 9, 2021, at St. Anthony of Padua Church, 1359 Acushnet Avenue, New Bedford, MA 02746. Burial will follow at Sacred Heart Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to St. Anthony of Padua Church.

Arrangements are in the care of ROCK FUNERAL HOME, 1285 Ashley Blvd, New Bedford, MA.

To leave a note of condolence: www.rock-funeralhome.com