Rita M. Bartel, 89, of Andover, MA, died Saturday April 12, 2014 in the Merrimack Valley Hospice House in Haverhill, MA. She was born in Cambridge, MA on February 24, 1925, a daughter of the late Charles and Rose (McDonald) McCafferty. Having been raised in Cambridge, she was a graduate of Cambridge High & Latin School. Later, she resided in Tewksbury, MA for many years where she raised her family. She had worked for Macy's in Lowell, MA for many years, through three store names starting with Bon Marche' Dept. Store. Rita enjoyed her time spent at Atria Marland Place in Andover, MA since July of 2013 where she resided in the Life Guidance Section. She was an avid reader. Rita will be remembered for being a very giving and generous person, asking nothing in return.
She is survived by her son, John V. Bartel Jr. of Derry, NH and his partner Ginnie Behan; her daughter, Patricia L. Bartel of Mashpee, MA; seven grandchildren; 14 great grandchildren; one great great grandchild; and her sister, Pauline Caterina and her husband Paul of Manchester, NH. She was predeceased by her husband John V. Bartel in 1989, her daughter, Julie A. Bartel, and her siblings, Francis McDonald and Winifred Reilly.
There are no calling hours. Funeral services were held on Tuesday, April 15th at 11:00am in First Parish Church, 47 East Derry Rd., Derry. A graveside service will be held on Wednesday, April 16th in the Massachusetts National Cemetery, Connery Ave., Bourne, MA. Memorial contributions may be made to the Merrimack Valley Hospice House, C/O Home Health Foundation, Attn: External Relations, 360 Merrimack Street, Building 9, Lawrence, MA 01843. The Peabody Funeral Homes and Crematorium, 15 Birch St., Derry is assisting the family with arrangement.