Rita F. (Cantalupa) DuCharme, 93 of Tewksbury, passed away peacefully on Monday, February 2, 2026 with her family by her side. She was the widow of the late Leo Joseph DuCharme who passed away in 2018 after 63 years of marriage.
She was born on January 22, 1933 in Somerville and was a daughter of the late Anthony and Angelina (Langone) Cantalupa. She was raised in Somerville, where she attended the local schools graduating from Somerville High School with the Class of 1951.
Rita worked as an interior designer at Jordan Marsh for over fifteen years. She then worked for Rosenthall and Rubico until MS forced her early retirement.
For the past fifty years, she resided in the Tanglewood Avenue neighborhood of Tewksbury and was a devoted communicant of Saint William’s Church. Rita loved reading—whether a book or her Kindle—and found comfort and solace in quiet moments immersed in a story. She was a sweet and loving person.
Her survivors include her three sons, Paul L. DuCharme and his wife, Deborah of Townsend, David A. DuCharme and his wife, Carolyn of Townsend, and Leo E. DuCharme and his wife, Kathleen of Tyngsboro; and her beloved 12 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren, whom she adored.
She is also survived by her siblings, Mary Lou Nutting and her husband, William of Arizona, Ann Cantalupa of Arlington, Barbara Lonergan of Winchester, Theresa O'Keefe of Medford, her sisters in law Lois Cantalupa of North Reading and Kathy Cantalupa of Somerville; and many nieces and nephews.
She was predeceased by her siblings, Ellie Deveau, Joseph Cantalupa, and Anthony Cantalupa; and her brothers in law, Edward Lonergan, Donald O’Keefe and Alphee Deveau.
The family would also like to thank her caregivers at Life Care of Billerica for their kindness and compassion, especially during her final days.
In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to: National MS Society at: https://www.nationalmssociety.org/
On Saturday, February 7, 2026 all are welcome to attend her calling hours from 9-11 a.m. at Tewksbury Funeral Home, 1 Dewey Street, Tewksbury, MA 978-851-2061. Her funeral service will take place in the funeral home at 11 a.m. followed by procession to Saint Mary Cemetery in Tewksbury. Please find us on Facebook or use this website to leave the family a message of condolence.