Mary Ricardo Castro, 94, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, May 9 at Miriam Hospital, Providence, surrounded by her loved ones.

Mary was married for 60 years to Victor O. Castro until his passing in 2012. Born in Bristol, on Jan. 20, 1923, she was the daughter of the late John and Helen (Barboza) Ricardo; the sister of Florence Alpalhao, and the late Dennis and John Ricardo and Beatrice Ricardo Cabral. She was the dearly beloved mother of Maryellen Castro; mother-in-law of the late Dirk van Gendt; and grandmother to Saskia van Kempen - van Gendt, Keith J. Rinier and Christopher R. Rinier.

A Bristol resident all her life, she was a parishioner of St. Elizabeth’s Church and retired from Carr Fulflex after 37 years’ service. Mary loved life. She took joy in her faith and family. An excellent cook, she looked forward to baking cookies and fruit cakes for holidays. One of her greatest pleasures was crocheting afghans for family and friends.

Funeral services from Smith Funeral and Memorial Services, 8 Schoolhouse Road, Warren, Saturday, May 13, 2017 at 8 a.m., with a Mass of Christian Burial at 9 a.m. in St. Elizabeth’s Church, 577 Wood St., Bristol. Burial will follow in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Chestnut Street, Bristol. Visiting hours are respectfully omitted.

Memorial contributions may be made to Rhode Island Public Television station, WSBE, 50 Park Lane, Providence, RI 02907, or St. Elizabeth’s Church, 577 Wood St., Bristol, RI 02809.