Rita (Walsh) Smith - of Hopedale, MA, formerly of Jamaica Plain passed away peacefully on December 28, 2008 after a long battle with cancer. Born on August 9, 1942, she was the daughter of the late James J and Rita Walsh.
Rita is survived by her companion Walter Rochatka of Hopedale, her children Chris Smith of Brooklyn, NY, Maryellen Rousseau and her husband Scott of Easthampton, MA, and grandchildren Bethany and Matthew Rousseau.
Rita is also survived by her sisters and brothers: Annemarie Walsh and her fiancé Baron Jones of Roslindale, Tom Walsh and his wife Pat Aries of Kingston, Jim Walsh of Dedham, Doreen Murphy and her husband Dave of Halifax, Jane Curran and her husband Tom of Franklin, Mary Jo Cutler and her husband Marc of Dedham, and Lois Walsh-Thorne and her husband Richard of Billerica. She also leaves several nephews and nieces.
Visiting hours are at the P.E. Murray-George F. Doherty & Sons Funeral Home, 2000 Centre St. West Roxbury on Thursday (Jan. 1) from 4-8 p.m. Relatives and friends are invited to attend Funeral Services at the Maguire Chapel located at the St. Joseph Cemetery, 990 LaGrange Street, West Roxbury on Friday, January 2 at 11 a.m.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Boys and Girls Club of South Boston, 230 West Sixth Street, South Boston, MA 02127.