Hurley, Rita Marra, of Waltham, MA (formerly of Holyoke, Jamaica Plain and West Roxbury, MA) died peacefully, surrounded by her beloved family on May 7, 2018. Rita, who recently celebrated her 100th birthday, was born on January 25, 1918 in Holyoke, MA. She was daughter of Peter and Clara Marra, and sister of late John Marra of Florida, formerly of Holyoke. She was the devoted wife of her late husband, Dr. Paul Daniel Hurley of Jamaica Plain.
Lieutenant Commander Dr. Paul Hurley and Rita Marra married on June 19, 1941, and embarked on a cross country adventure to San Francisco, where they settled for a few months before Paul was deployed for Naval duties. Unbeknownst to Rita, she would not see Paul for over a year. She also did not know that their first child, Patricia, would be born 9 months later. In the 16 years that followed, Rita and Paul had eight more children.
Rita attended Sacred Heart High School in Holyoke, MA, New Rochelle College in New York, and Bay Bath College in Springfield, MA where she received a business education. She worked for a pediatrician, which prepared her for raising her nine children. Rita loved Boston, and the Red Sox. She was an avid golfer and received numerous trophies. She also loved reading, and traveling, visiting Ireland, Italy, the Caribbean Islands the west coast, and more. Raising their nine children, Rita was a force, commanding respect for self and others. After Paul’s passing in 1976, Rita discovered a love for art and painting, and continued to spend summers at her beloved Lake George, where she enjoyed numerous friends, the gathering of her family, and the serenity of the lake and surrounding Adirondack mountains.
Rita is survived by eight of her nine children: Patricia (late Gerard) DeBiasi, late Mary (Ronald) Johnston, Paul Daniel (Sue) Hurley, Carolyn (Bob) Evans, Peter (Lorna) Hurley, Thomas, Andrea (Robert) Hurley-Voss, Gary (Nancy) Hurley, Gregory (Lisa) Hurley. Rita is also survived by her 16 grandchildren, 12 great grandchildren,a niece and nephew.
In her later years, Rita moved to Waltham Crossings, an Assisted Living Community in Waltham MA. A beautiful person, inside and out, everyone loved Rita. Rita’s family extends heartfelt gratitude to friends and caregivers at Waltham Crossings, who blessed her with their love, care and support since 2013.
Relatives & friends are respectfully and warmly invited to join Rita’s family in the celebration of her life. Visiting hours are 4 to 8PM, Friday, May, 11, 2018 at the Robert J. Lawler & Crosby Funeral Home, 1803 Centre Street, WEST ROXBURY. Funeral procession begins from the Funeral Home at 9AM, Saturday, May 12th. The Funeral Mass will begin at 10AM at Holy Name Church, 1689 Centre St, West Roxbury. Burial to follow at Mount Benedict Cemetery, West Roxbury.
In lieu of flowers kindly make a memorial donation in Rita’s name to the Special Olympics, an organization close to Rita’s heart.
Lawler & Crosby Funeral Home
www.lawlerfuneralhome.com
617-323-5600