Maybelle C. (Welch) Rival, 83, Final Inspector at Western Electric

Maybelle C. (Welch) Rival, a native and lifelong resident of Haverhill, died peacefully on Friday, Jan. 12 at her home surrounded by her loving family, following a long illness. She was 83.

The daughter of the late Harry and Margaret (Morey) Welch, Rival attended Haverhill Public Schools and was a member of the Haverhill High School Class of 1952. She was employed as a Final Inspector at Western Electric Co. A T & T Technologies and Lucent Technologies until her retirement and was a member of the Communication Workers of America, AFL/CIO Local 1365 and the Telephone Pioneers of America.

A longtime active member of All Saints Parish and the former Saint Joseph Parish, Rival and her late husband Paul were longtime supporters of the parish and served on several working committees of the parish as well as Saint Joseph School.

A woman who enjoyed spending holidays, especially the Christmas holidays with her family at her home, Rival also enjoyed attending dances and taking part in fundraisers. She looked forward to day trips and excursions to Booth Bay Harbor in Maine and playing cards with her friends.

Predeceased in 2009 by her loving husband of 53 years, Paul V. Rival, she will be sadly missed and lovingly remembered by her two daughters and sons-in-law Paula and Jeffrey Murphy of Westford and Karen and Kenneth Buck of Haverhill, five grandchildren Kevin Murphy, Connor Murphy, Kristy Buck, Kendra Buck and Christopher Buck, a sister Margaret Hitchins of Cotuit, a sister-in-law Elizabeth Welch of Homosassa, Fla., her godchildren Susan Schoeder, Colleen Wezesa and Jason Wezesa, and several nieces, nephews and cousins. She was predeceased by her brother Richard Welch, and sister Hannah Welch, Colleen Pappalardo, Theresa Dorr, and Thelma Bunker.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend her Life Celebration on Tuesday, Jan. 16 from 5 to 8 p.m. at Berube-Comeau Funeral Home, 47 Broadway, Haverhill. Her funeral will be held on Wednesday, Jan.17, 2018 at 9 a.m. from the funeral home, with a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. in All Saints Church, Haverhill. Burial will follow in Saint Joseph Cemetery. Donations in her name may be made to Beacon Hospice.