Rita Alice (Connolly) Atchison, 95, of Quincy, MA, died October 9, 2018, at home surrounded by her family.Rita had a lively interest in the world and current events, and regaled others with her dry wit, savvy understanding of life, and gift for listening.
Rita worked for many years in the Quincy public schools, helped inspire a love of literature in children through the Great Books Program, and directed and taught an adult literacy program. She taught ballroom dance to servicemen during WWII and throughout her life attended theater and dance performances, concerts, museums and lectures, sowing creativity and curiosity in her children and grandchildren. She delighted in babies and children, witheach and every birth among family and friends a new cause for celebration.
Rita is survived by her loving husband, Frank Atchison; their five children, Judy Gordon, Nancy Ehrlich, Thomas Atchison, Paul Atchison and Trice Atchison, together with their partners, eleven grandchildren, and two great grandchildren.
Those lucky enough to have known Rita will miss her strength, keen intelligence and generosity of spirit. A funeral Mass in her honor will be held Saturday, November 3, at 10 a.m., Sacred Heart Church, North Quincy, followed by a reception for family and friends. Donations in lieu of flowers may be sent to Hope Hospice, 73 Service Road, Sandwich, MA 02537.