Rita Vieira, 86

Feb 19, 2019

Rita M. (Joia) Vieira, 86, of New Bedford, died Feb. 18 in Sacred Heart Home after a lengthy illness. She was the widow of the late Frank J. Vieira and daughter of the late Manuel F. and Philomena (Britto) Joia.

She was born in East Wareham and lived in New Bedford, Fairhaven and West Wareham for many years. She graduated from Wareham High School.

Mrs. Vieira worked for New England Telephone and AT & T Telephone Company for 24 years before retiring in 1989 from the Middleboro office. She later worked for APS Affiliated in Wareham in the Calling Department from 1990 to 2002.

Mrs. Vieira enjoyed playing the piano in her leisure time, dancing, trips to Foxwoods and spending time with her great grandchildren.

She was a member of the Telephone Pioneers of America and the Exxon Mobile Annuitant Club of Cape Cod.

Survivors include a daughter, Sharon A. Joia of New Bedford; two sons, Brian Burton and his wife, Nancy of Fairhaven and Kevin P. Burton of Temecula, California; four sisters, Tina Raneo of Dennisport, Irene Walker and Hilda Gibson of Florida,, and Frances Dawson of New Orleans; a brother, Manuel F. Joia, Jr. of California; 2 granddaughters, Tabitha Monaco and Erin Martin; a grandson, Kyle Burton; 10 great grandchildren. She was predeceased by her son, Bruce A. Burton and grandson, Trevor Joia and her siblings, Alice Joia, Jennie Roderick, Arthur Joia, Sr. Helen Andrews, Doris Ferreira; several nephews and nieces.

Visiting hours are from 4 to 7 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 22 at the Chapman, Cole & Gleason Funeral Home, 2599 Cranberry Highway.

Her funeral will be held at 9 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 23 from the funeral home, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. in St. Patrick’s Church Parish Hall, High St., Wareham. Burial will follow in St. Patrick’s Cemetery, Wareham.

For directions and online guestbook, visit: www.ccgfuneralhome.com.