Rita A. (Dextraze) Mello

New Bedford – Rita A. (Dextraze) Mello, age 81, of New Bedford, passed away on Thursday, May 13, 2021 at St. Luke’s Hospital. Born in New Bedford and a lifelong resident. She was the daughter of William J. Dextraze Sr. and Hazel A. (Holmes) Dextraze.

Ms. Mello worked for Sodexo at UMass Dartmouth until her retirement. She enjoyed playing cards with her dearest friends, search a word puzzles and loved being with her family and great-grandchildren.

Survivors include, 3 daughters, Michelle Teixeira and husband Joseph and their children, Mandy and Joseph, Monique Young and her children, Jeffrey and Daniel, Suzanne Drolet and her children, Jonathan, Joe and Jeremy, and 1 son, Stephen Drolet and wife Lisa and their children, Debbie, Stephen and Ryan; a sister, Florence Cabral and husband Edmund; a brother, William Dextraze Jr. and 5 great-grandchildren she treasured and loved; as well as many nieces, nephews and many friends.

She was the sister of the late Lucille, David, Michael and Raymond Dextraze, Lorraine Gagne, Vivian Tavares and 2 sister-in-laws, Anita and Doris Dextraze.

Rita’s visiting hours will be held on Monday evening, May 17, 2021 from 5:00 P.M. - 8:00 P.M with a service to be held during this time. Cremation will follow.

All attendees are required to wear a face covering at all times, to social distance 6 feet and to please refrain from any close physical contact. Thank you in advance for your patience and cooperation during this time.

Arrangements are placed in the care of Perry Funeral Home 111 Dartmouth St. New Bedford, MA 02740. Please see our website: www.perryfuneral.com for condolences.