Rita Jeanne (O'Grady) Amaral of Acushnet, MA passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, January 9, 2024, at the age of 82. She was the loving wife of the late Joseph Soares Amaral for 59 years. Born in Fall River, MA, she was the daughter of the late Thomas J. O'Grady and Anna J. (Rioux) O'Grady Mendoza.

Rita was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother. She will be deeply missed and is forever in our hearts. A graduate of New Bedford High School, Rita worked as a secretary for Berkshire Hathaway Company when she experienced a personal medical crisis that inspired her to change careers.  As the mother of three, she went back to school, and became a Respiratory Therapist, a profession she practiced for 34 years at St. Lukes Hospital in New Bedford.

Rita enjoyed vacation cruises with Joe, working in her flower gardens, reading, knitting, and watching the Red Sox while rocking in her favorite chair.

Survivors include her son, Joseph W. Amaral and his wife Kendell of Swansea, MA, a daughter, Susan M (Amaral) Tetreault and her husband Ken of Acushnet, and her son, Kenneth J Amaral of New Bedford; two sisters, Margaret "Peggy" Vallee of New Bedford, Maureen Hickey and her husband, William of Harrisburg, PA, and a brother, Thomas A. O'Grady and wife Denise McEvily of Old Saybrook, CT; Six grandchildren; Jonathan Amaral and his wife Saydee, Jordan Amaral, and her wife, Brittany, Brayden Tetreault and his wife Brianna, Riley Tetreault, and Mayson Amaral; four great grandchildren; Liam, Karter, Jordan and Mason, and a number of nieces and nephews.

Rita was the loving mother to the late Karen Amaral and grandmother to the late Austin Tetreault.

Services will be held on Wednesday January 17, 2024, at the Donaghy New Day Funeral and Cremation Care, 465 County Street, New Bedford. Visiting hours will be held 9:30 AM – 11:30 AM., followed by a religious service at the funeral home at 11:30am. She will be laid to rest beside her husband, Joseph, at Acushnet Cemetery, immediately following the service.