Anita T. (Gagnon) Rousseau, 96, of New Bedford passed away peacefully on Wednesday, August 21, 2024. She was married for 66 years to the late Paul R. Rousseau who passed away in 2017.

Born in New Bedford, she was the daughter of the late Albert and Evelina (LaRochelle) Gagnon. She lived in New Bedford for most of her life.

Anita was a graduate of Holy Family High School and Kinyon Campbell Secretarial School.

She was employed for several years at the Coca- Cola bottling company. At times she helped her husband with bookkeeping for his business La France Jewelers. She was a member of the Catholic Woman's Club of New Bedford.

She spent summers with her husband on Long Pond in Lakeville, Mass, and enjoyed the company of family. We all looked forward to seeing Nana and Pepere on many special occasions. Christmas gatherings were a highlight. She thought of every detail and enjoyed making her home a place that was warm and welcoming. She proudly cared for and encouraged her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She enjoyed musicals, concerts, graduations and other things that they did along the way.

She is survived by her children, Paula Ann Madden of Bristol, RI, Marc R. Rousseau of New Bedford, and Marguerite L. Crocker of Portsmouth, RI; her grandchildren, Francis L. Madden, Jr., and his wife Gail, Christopher P. Madden, Kali E. Crocker, Kimberly A. Madden, Marc R. Rousseau, Jr., and his wife Meredith, Gary C. Rousseau, Kasey T. Ahearn, and her husband Rob; her great-grandchildren, Ella A. Madden, Ava J. Madden, Kenneth W. Rousseau, Molly L. Ahearn, and Colette E. Crocker, and cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.

Her Funeral will be held on Tuesday, August 27th at 9 AM from the Saunders-Dwyer Home for Funerals, 495 Park St., New Bedford, followed by her Funeral Mass at Holy Name of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Church at 10AM. Burial will follow in the Sacred Heart Cemetery. Visiting hours will be on Monday August 26th from 4-7 PM.