Mangaluru: Former deputy mayor and a well-known social activist Judith Mary Rita Mascarenhas passed away on Monday. She was a silent server who built at least 50 houses for the homeless, arranged jobs for the jobless, shelter for the destitute, artificial limbs for the disabled and many such welfare works. Few months back she had a stroke and bedridden since then.

Born on Dec 22, 1931 to Aloysius I. Mascarenhas a famous Konkani poet, journalist and social activist and Magdalene M. Mascarenhas, a teacher. She started her teaching career in Cambridge School Bangalore and continued in Capitanio Junior College and training Institute Mangalore for 22 years until she took voluntary retirement to dedicate herself fully to social service full time.

She held several important positions including: Deputy Mayor of Mangalore City Corporation for 2 terms, Corporator of Mangalore City Corporation for 3 terms of 5 years each. Vice President of Abhaya Ashraya for 3 terms, nominated member of the D.K. Postal Forum for 3 terms and P.U.C. Board Bangalore for 3 years. Director of S.C.D.C.C. Bank (South Canara District Central Co-operative Bank). Also a Director of LAMP Society, S.K.C.C.W. Stores & Janata Bazaar of Mangalore.