Rita C. Crawford, age 94, passed away peacefully on Thursday, March 8, 2018. Born in Boston, she grew up in Dorchester, and graduated from St. Margaret’s Elementary School and Girl’s High School. She retired from the New England Telephone Company where she had worked as a Repair Clerk, an occupation she held for many years. She was a member of The Telephone Pioneers of America after retirement. A wonderful friend and a mentor to all, Rita was like a mother to her nieces, Jeanne, Eileen, and Donna when their mother passed away. They lived with her for several years and received her wise guidance. She enjoyed the company of her many friends and traveled extensively with them whenever possible. Rita was a member of the Clam Point Association and a longtime parishioner of St. Ambrose Church, Dorchester. She was actively involved with the Church throughout her life and served on the Bereavement Team for a number of years. The devoted daughter of the late John and Ellen (Keane) Crawford, she was the dear sister of Eileen F. White of Dorchester and the late Mary M. O’Neill, as well as the loving aunt of the late Eileen O’Neill, Jeanne Haddad of Plymouth, Donna Craig of Pembroke, Ellen Dowling of NJ and John White of Dorchester. A visiting hour will be held at the Alfred D. Thomas Funeral Home, 326 Granite Ave., Milton, Wednesday morning, March 14, 2018 from 9 to 10 am, followed by a Funeral Mass at St. Ambrose Church, Dorchester at 10:30 am. Burial in Cedar Grove Cemetery, Dorchester. In lieu of flowers donations may be made in her memory to the Ghana Fund, c/o Sacred Heart Parish, 169 Cummings Highway, Roslindale, MA 02131.