Anna O'Grady (Rioux) Mendoza

Anna J. (Rioux) O'Grady Mendoza, 91, of New Bedford, formerly of Fall River, died Friday, December 23, 2005 at Taber Street Nursing Home, New Bedford. She was the widow of Thomas J. O'Grady and Anthony Mendoza. Born in Fall River, the daughter of the late Aime and Rosanna (Cote) Rioux, she lived in New Bedford and Fall River for many years. She had been employed by the former Star Store, New Bedford and in recent years enjoyed painting. She was a founder of the Community Entertainers, providing entertainment to senior citizens in nursing homes. A former contestant and longtime supporter of the Ms Senior Sweetheart Pageant, she was past-president of Bay Village Senior Citizens Club, Bristol County and Massachusetts Senior Action Committees, past-president and secretary of the Alden Court Resident Council, past- secretary of the Fall River Evening Lioness Club, past vice-president of the Massachusetts Senior Senate and a former member of the Salvation Army Auxiliary. Survivors include 3 daughters, Margaret "Peggy" Vallee and her husband Ray of New Bedford, Rita Amaral and her husband Joseph of Acushnet and Maureen Hickey and her husband William of Harrisburg, PA; a son, Thomas A. O'Grady and his wife Denise McEvily of Norton, MA; a sister, Irene Tocci of Jupiter, FL; 14 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren and nieces and nephews. She was the sister of the late Lillian Caron, Alice Auclair, Annette Lamb, Yvonne Tocci and Arthur, Eugene and Joseph-Oscar Rioux. Her funeral will be held Wednesday at 8:30 AM from the AUCLAIR FUNERAL HOME, 690 So. Main St., Fall River, with a funeral mass in St. Anne Church at 9:00. Burial, St. Patrick Cemetery. Calling hours Tuesday 4:00 to 8:00 PM. LARGE PARKING AREA and barrier-free entrance to the rear of funeral home. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Allegiance Hospice, PO Box 752, Sagamore MA 02561.