Louise Rivard

Louise (Walkden) Rivard, age 96, passed away peacefully Sunday, July 23, 2023 at Charlton Memorial Hospital. She was the wife of the late Norman T. Rivard and a longtime companion of the late Thomas Perrotti.

Born and raised in Fall River, the daughter of the late James W. and Annie (Stubbs) Walkden, she was a longtime resident of Swansea.

A skilled and adored server, she waited tables at several establishments including; Topsy’s in Swansea, Clearwater Lounge in Swansea and China Royal in Fall River for 30 years before its’ closing in 2001.

An avid bowler, she played in a Dudek Bowling League into her 80s. She enjoyed playing cards and trips to Foxwoods, Atlantic City and Las Vegas. She had a real passion for hosting and entertaining; she easily turned her kitchen into a hair salon for her close friends and her sisters, her cookouts, clam boils, apple pie and homemade baked beans were perfection and her Christmas Eve party for family and friends was a highlight of the year. An accomplished tailor, she was trained in drapery.

Ms. Rivard is survived by one daughter, Caron Gauthier and her husband Paul of Westport; one son, Norman Rivard of Rehoboth; three grandchildren, David A. Gauthier, Cherilyn Perkins and Ryan Rivard and his wife Melissa; six great-grandchildren, Micah L. Gauthier, Andrew J. Perkins, Haley M. Perkins, Noah J. Perkins, Mathis Rivard and Colson Rivard and several nieces and nephews. She was the sister of the late Milton Walkden, William Walkden, Lillian Sullivan, Ruth Benjamin and Marion DeCosta and mother-in-law of the late Cheryl Rivard.

Her Funeral Service will be held Friday, July 28, 2023 at 10:00 AM in the Waring-Sullivan Home at Birchcrest, 189 Gardners Neck Road, Swansea followed by burial in Oak Grove Cemetery, Fall River. Relatives and friends are invited. Visiting hours are Thursday from 4:00 – 7:00 PM. Contributions in her honor may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, 309 Waverley Oaks Rd, Waltham, MA 02452.