Punta Gorda, FL: Rita K (Curnin) Carlson, 89, former resident of Shrewsbury, passed away on Wednesday, February 19 in Tidewell Hospital Englewood, FL. She was a loving mother of a daughter Catherine R. Riley of Florida, with whom she lived, two sons Michael A. Pennaccia Jr. and his wife Bobbi of Spencer, and Bradford E. Carlson and his wife Kathryn of Holden. She leaves two grandsons, Michael T. Riley and his wife Carla, and Cameron Carlson. She was pre-deceased by two husbands, Michael A. Pennaccia Sr., and Eugene Carlson.
Rita was born in Worcester, daughter of William and Catherine (Schoeller) Curnin. She graduated from St. Peter's High School in 1942 and worked for Sears Roebuck Co. for over 40 years. She also worked as a waitress in various local restaurants. She was a dance instructor at the Worcester Girls Club and danced at Johnny Hines. In her retired years, she volunteered at the Woman's Auxillary of the Deep Creek Elks in Port Charlotte, FL, and was a cook and member of St. Charles Borromeo Church in Port Charlotte, FL. Rita enjoyed reading, cooking, entertaining and ballroom dancing.
Calling hours will be held on Thursday February 27, 2014 from 9:30-11 a.m. in Nordgren Memorial Chapel 300 Lincoln St. Worcester. A funeral Mass will follow at 11:30 a.m in St. George Church 38 Brattle St. Worcester. Burial will follow in Mountain View Cemetery, Shrewsbury. For directions, or to leave an online condolence message, please click link below.