Rita Sylvia

Born in New Bedford on February 5, 1932 she was the daughter of late Veriato (Joe) Couto and Mary C. (Martin) Couto Maher. Rita lived in New Bedford all her life and loved the city and its people.

Rita was married to the late police lieutenant Jack Sylvia, who was the love of her life. Rita lived a life of exuberant joy and deep compassion for those around her. She worked at Bristol County Blueprint Co. before her retirement and loved to cook, read, and spend time with her grandchildren and friends in her free time. She possessed a multitude of talents, including drawing, sewing, singing, and dancing. Rita also loved the Patriots, traveling, and watching plays. She offered her time volunteering at different organizations in New Bedford, including St. Luke’s Hospital, United Way of New Bedford, The New Bedford Chamber of Commerce, and Downtown New Bedford Inc. Most importantly, Rita was devoted to her Catholic faith, and had deep love for the Lord. She prayed each day for her family and loved ones without ceasing. She measured her success in life by the positive impact she was able to make in the lives of others, and will be remembered for her incredible humor, and unconditional love and kindness toward others.

Rita spent the last months of her life living with her daughter Mary and fiancé Peter, and her granddaughters Brooke and Casey. They enjoyed joyous and precious time together under one roof before Rita became suddenly ill and passed soon after.

Rita is survived by her sister Dolores Leal and brother-in-law James Leal, her late brother Edward Couto and sister-in-law Eileen Couto, daughter Mary J. Douglass, her late husband Kenneth A. Douglass and her fiancé Peter Trahan, her son Jack Sylvia and his wife Karen Sylvia, four granddaughters, two great-granddaughters, and several nieces and nephews.

Her Funeral Service will be held on Friday, April 9, 2021 at 11:00 AM in the ROCK FUNERAL HOME, 1285 Ashley Blvd., New Bedford, MA 02745 followed by a Mass of Christian Burial in St. Mary’s Church, Tarkiln Hill Rd, New Bedford, MA 02745. Relatives and friends are invited. Visitation will be Thursday from 4:00 to 7:00PM. Burial will be PRIVATE. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Rita’s honor may be made to: St. Jude Hospital 501 St. Jude Place Memphis, TN 38105 USA / donors@stjude.org. To leave a note of condolence: www.rock-funeralhome.com