Gertrude M. Mendes

NEWPORT, RI ? Gertrude M. Gomes Mendes, 83, of Grand Islander Health Care Center, Middletown, RI, formerly of 170 Park Holm, Newport, RI, died peacefully on Wednesday, August 24, 2005, at the center. Born in Osterville, Massachusetts, on February 19, 1922, she was the daughter of the late John and Kathleen Evora Gomes. Gertrude owned and operated her own cleaning business Gertrudes Hand Ironing for 20 years, retiring in 1975. She was a communicant of St. Joseph?s Church. Gertrude served as a foster grandparent for Child and Family Services of Newport County. She is survived by her children John W. Mendes of Newport, RI and Linda Mendes Riley of Middletown, RI, her sister Anita Barros of Stoughton, MA, her grandchildren Tara Riley Parks, Keith Riley, Eudonna Riley, Tanya Riley, Chrystal Sears and Chandra Sears and seventeen great grandchildren. She was the sister of the late Edward Gomes and Elizabeth Andrews.Her funeral will be held on Monday, August 29, 2005, at 8:00am from the Memorial Funeral Home, 375 Broadway, Newport, with a Mass of Christian Burial for St. Joseph?s Church at 9:00am held in Jesus Saviour Church, Broadway and Vernon Avenue, Newport. Burial will be private.Calling hours will be held on Sunday, August 28, 2005, from 6-9pm in the Memorial Funeral Home. Donations in Gertrude?s name may be made to Child Family Services of Newport County, 24 School Street, Newport, RI 02840.