Rita J. (Fernandes) Bretto, 72, of Rochester, died April 26, 2018 in the Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston. She was the wife of Thomas J. Bretto, they were married for 51 years. She was the daughter of the late Arthur and Rose (Thomas) Fernandes.

She was born in Wareham, raised in Marion, and lived in Rochester for most of her life.

She earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree and Master’s Degree in Education from Fitchburg State University where she was a member of the National Honor Society. Rita also received the Career Achievement award from the Greater New Bedford Regional Vocational Technical High School.

Mrs. Bretto was a School Administrator at Old Colony Regional Vocational Technical High School in Rochester for over 37 years before retiring in 2012.

She was an active member of the Delta Kappa Gamma Alpha Lambda Chapter, volunteered for the American Cancer Society and The Onset Cape Verdean Festival. She enjoyed spending time with her family, reading, shopping, vacationing, and trips on the with her husband on the back of his Harley Davidson motorcycle.

Survivors include her husband, Thomas J. Bretto; 2 daughters, Kimberly Bretto of Rochester and Kendall Smiley of Rochester; Son-in- law Kurt Smiley of Rochester; 8 sisters, Bernadine Sacchetti of Wareham, Marie Pina of Wareham, Marlene “Judy” Mason of Wareham, Alice Fernandes of Marion, Pamela Rose of Wareham, Rose Renee Fernandes of New Bedford, Margo Fernandes of CA and Wanda Harrington of RI; 5 grandchildren, Kiera Smith, Elijah Smith, Max Smiley, Wyatt Smiley and Zion Smiley; many nephews and nieces. She was predeceased by her sister, Marion “Yahee” Fernandes-Baxter.

Visiting hours are from 5-8 p.m. on Tuesday, May 1, in the Chapman, Cole & Gleason Funeral Home, 2599 Cranberry Hwy., Wareham.

Her funeral will be held at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, May 2, in the Wickenden Chapel at Tabor Academy, 86 Spring St., Marion. Burial will follow in Evergreen Cemetery, Marion.

Donations in her memory may be made to Old Colony Regional Vocational Technical High School, 476 North Ave., Rochester, MA 02770 to the Rita J. Bretto Scholarship Fund.

For directions and online guestbook, visit: www.ccgfuneralhome.com.