Rita M. (Kavanaugh) Crowley, 87, of Taunton, formerly of Brockton, widow of the late Paul F. Crowley, died Friday February 11, 2011 at the Marian Manor Nursing Home in Taunton after a period failing health. Born and raised in Brockton, she was a daughter of the late John P. and Mary (McDonough) Kavanaugh. Mrs. Crowley was a graduate of Brockton High School. Prior to her retirement, Mrs. Crowley was employed with the Brockton School Department first as a Teacher’s Aide and then as a school secretary. She had previously been employed for several years with the First National Stores. Following her retirement, for many years she was a caregiver to her husband and sister. Rita was an avid reader and loved to take walks.
She is survived by a son and daughter, Paul F. Crowley and Ellen F. O’Malley and her husband Thomas; six grandchildren and four great-grandchildren as well as many nieces and nephews. She also leaves her faithful dog, Shadow. She was the sister of the late John P. Kavanaugh, Louise M. Kavanaugh and Marguerite “Pat” Andrews.
A time of remembrance and celebration of her life will be held Thursday, February 17, 2011 from 9:30-10:30am, at the Conley Funeral Home, 138 Belmont Street, (Rte 123) Brockton followed by a Funeral Mass at 11am to be held in Our Lady of Lourdes Church, Brockton. Burial will follow at St. Patrick’s Cemetery, Rockland. The family wishes to thank the staff of Marian Manor for the loving and tireless care afforded Rita. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Marian Manor Nursing Home, 33 Summer Street, Taunton, MA 02780 would be greatly appreciated.