Rita M. (Theriault) Murdock, age 80 of Tewksbury, passed away on Tuesday, Sept. 29, 2009 at the Maine Medical Center in Portland. She was the former wife of the late Robert J. Murdock.
She was born in Lowell on August 25, 1929, the daughter of the late Walter and Irene (Hamilton) Theriault. Rita was a longtime resident of Tewksbury for over 40 years.
Prior to her retirement, she was a quality control inspector with Raytheon for 20 years. Rita was an avid sportswoman, having played golf, softball, tennis and had a special passion for bowling. She was the secretary and treasurer for 61 mixed couples bowling league since it's inception and was also inducted into the Merrimack Valley Women's Bowling Association Hall of Fame.
Rita was very active with Ste. Marie's Parish in Lowell where she served as past president of Friends of Ste. Maries, past president of the Children of Mary, member of St. Anne Sodality and the Homebound Prayer Line.
She is survived by her three sons, Paul R. Murdock of Porter, ME, William L. Murdock of Dania Beach, FL, and Steven W. Murdock and his partner, Fred Murdock of Lowell; her brother, Walter Theriault, Jr and his wife, Doris of Tewksbury; her five grandchildren, Willie Briere of Lowell, Tara Fortin of West Warren, MA, Dustin, Craig and Brian Murdock, all of Florida; a great grandson, Dustin Murdock, Jr.; also many nieces and nephews. She was also the sister of the late Rose Myron.
Relatives and friends may call at the M. R. LAURIN & SON FUNERAL HOME, 295 Pawtucket St., Lowell on Friday, Oct. 2, from 4 to 8pm. Her Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday morning at 10 o'clock at Holy Family Parish, (formerly Ste. Marie Church), S. Lowell. Interment in St. Joseph Cemetery.