In Loving Memory of Rita Evelyn Toppin
December 21, 1944 – November 7, 2025
Rita “Rita Mae” Toppin, 80, of Derry, passed away peacefully on November 7, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. A dedicated nurse, proud mother, and vibrant soul, Rita lived a life full of compassion, laughter, and a deep appreciation for both the little things and the ones she loved most.
Born in Newton, MA and raised in Lawrence, MA, Rita devoted more than 50 years to nursing, with a special passion for geriatric care. Her natural warmth, quick wit, and gentle touch made her a favorite among patients and colleagues alike. She had an uncanny ability to bring comfort to those in her care; her impact is still felt in the lives she touched today. She later worked in the mental health field, Hamstead Hospital in NH, where she gained the trust of the teen population and was able to motivate them to change their lives with her gift of wisdom.
Rita had an infectious zest for life.She loved gardening and took pride in decorating her yard each season, creating a welcoming haven full of color and charm. Shopping was her pulse; A lover of mystery and suspense novels, she could often be found with a book in hand and hot coffee nearby. She also had a talent in knitting and crocheting; always crafting something sentimental for loved ones.
Music was the soundtrack of Rita’s life—especially the tunes of Roy Orbison and her beloved “oldies but goodies.” Rita loved to reminisce about her days of country line dancing, and she never missed a chance to talk about “boot scootin’ and boogying”..If the right song came on, Rita was known to strut proudly to the stroll with her cousinswith a twinkle in her eye.
Above all else, Rita was a proud and devoted mother. She beamed with pride as her two sons played for Lawrence Youth Hockey and Baseball, cheering from the sidelines with unmatched spirit. When her daughter joined the school band, Rita became an enthusiastic band parent—supporting every performance and helping wherever she could.
She is preceded in death by her beloved mother, Elizabeth Carney DiDomenico, Father, Joseph DiDomenico.Her three brothers, Lawrence Ward, Joseph DiDomenico, and Alexander DiDomenico, her beloved only sister, Cynthia DiDomenico Gannon, and her beloved son, Kenneth A. Toppin.
Rita survives with her children, Bette Jo A. Toppin, Scott M. Toppin and his wife Gladys,and her surviving brother Patrick DiDomenico and his wife Marion, with whom she shared a close and enduring bond. Rita was the proud grams of five grandchildren and seven great grandchildren. She also leaves behind many nieces and nephews.
Family and friends are invited to attend calling hours on Thursday, November 13, 2025,from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm at Edgar J.Racicot Inc. Funeral Home 1400 Broadway Rd., Dracut, MA. A funeral service will be held at 7:00 pm at the funeral home. online condolences may be shared at www.racicotfuneralhome.com.