Rebecca J. Grillo Gonsalves of Vineyard Haven and formerly of Hopedale, died Oct. 3 at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston after an illness. She was 69, and was the beloved mother of Amy M. Gonsalves of Milford.

She was born in Framingham, the daughter of the late Charles A. Grillo Sr. and the late Miriam Sooley Grillo. She attended Hopedale public schools, graduating from Hopedale High School, class of 1969.

She was also a graduate of the Lemuel Shattuck Hospital School of Nursing. Rebecca was employed for many years as a nurse. Later in life, she had a career change and became a legal secretary.

She had lived in Vineyard Haven for the past 30 years. She loved all animals and was an avid reader. She also was an accomplished knitter.

Rebecca is survived by her loving daughter, Amy M. Gonsalves and her partner Tyrone Barlosky of Milford; her brother, Charles A. Grillo Jr. of Worcester; her three sisters, Deborah A. Robbins and her husband Albert of Marstons Mills, Amy E. Miller and her husband Paul of Tewksbury and Miriam G. Loiselle and her husband James of Centerville; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

In accordance with Rebecca’s wishes, she will be cremated. Relatives and friends are invited to extend their condolences on Friday Oct. 15 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Edwards Memorial Funeral Home in Milford. A private graveside service for immediate family members will follow at Hopedale Village Cemetery.

Donations can be made to the Animal Shelter of Martha’s Vineyard, P.O. Box 1829, Edgartown, MA 02539.

Visit www.edwardsmemorialfuneralhome.com for a complete obituary and condolence book.