Rose G. (Belli) Sykes, 97, of Dartmouth died Saturday August 2, 2008 at Sacred Heart Home. She was the wife of the late Irving J. Sykes.

Born in New Bedford, the daughter of the late Angelo and Argentina (Belli) Belli, she lived in New Bedford for most of her life.

She was a communicant of St. Francis of Assisi Church.

Mrs. Sykes was formerly employed as a dietician at the New Bedford Hotel and several area nursing homes.

Survivors include four children, Irving J. Sykes Jr. of Virginia Beach, VA, James E. Sykes of Gaithersburg, MD, Paul R. Sykes of Dartmouth, and Joan T. Perry of New Bedford; seven grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

She was the sister of the late Emilio, Albert, Joseph, Ernest, and Italo "Si" Belli.

Her Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Tuesday at 10 AM at St. Francis of Assisi Church. Burial will follow in St. Mary's Cemetery. Visiting hours will be on Monday from 5-8 PM at the Saunders-Dwyer Home for Funerals, 495 Park St., New Bedford. For directions and guestbook, please visit www.saundersdwyer.com.