Rita M. (Mainville) Burlingame, 76, of 66 Grove Street died Monday, Sept. 19 in her home after a courageous fight against ALS.
She is survived by her loving husband of 53 years Arthur F. Burlingame, her son Paul Burlingame and his wife Erin of Leicester, three brothers David Mainville and his wife Vern of Spencer, Ted Mainville and his wife Liz of Glen Falls, NY and Tom Mainville and his wife Carol of Eastham, two sisters Barbara Mahan and her husband Don of Westborough and Annie Evers and her husband Wally of West Brookfield, four grandchildren Zachary, Harrison, Marilyn and Josephine Burlingame and many nieces and nephews. She was pre-deceased by a son David A. Burlingame and a sister Elizabeth Wood.
Mrs. Burlingame was born in Worcester, daughter of Emile E. and Antonia E. (Waiz) Mainville and lived in Leicester her entire life. She graduated from Leicester High School and attended Worcester State College. She was a member of St. Joseph’s Church. She was a loving nanny for her three nieces, Molly, Amy and Maribeth before working many years at various insurance agencies. After retiring, she once again became a nanny for her granddaughter Josie.
Rita enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren and helped fill their childhood with wonderful memories. She had special bonds with many of her nieces. She enjoyed taking cruises with her husband, yearly trips to Brimfield antiquing with her sister Annie, and sibling trips to her brother Tom’s in Eastham and horse racing at her brother Ted’s in Glen Falls, NY. She was very crafty with quilting and an avid collector of chicken dishes. She loved spending time with her family.
The Burlingame family wishes to thank her personal care attendant, Karen and her nurse Holly for their professionalism, compassion and special care they showed to Rita.
The Funeral will be held Friday, Sept. 23 from MORIN-MORRISON FUNERAL HOME, 1131 Main Street Leicester with a Mass at 11:00 AM in St. Joseph’s Church, 759 Main Street, Leicester. Burial will follow in St. Joseph’s Cemetery, Leicester. Calling hours are Thursday from 5:00-7:00 PM. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to Compassionate Care ALS, P.O. Box 1052, West Falmouth, MA 02574 or to VNA Care Hospice, 120 Thomas Street, Worcester, MA 01608.