Rita A. (O’Connor) Thompson, age 91, a longtime South Boston resident, currently of Naples, FL, and Harwich, died on Tuesday morning, June 19, 2012, at MetroWest Medical Center in Framingham. She was the beloved wife of the late Frederick L. Thompson.
Born in Boston on April 10, 1921, she was a daughter of the late Thomas and Catherine (Drislane) O’Connor. Rita was raised in South Boston and a graduate of the Gate of Heaven School. She continued her education at Boston Business School and then was employed with Boston Elevated as secretary to the president until her 1947 marriage.
Rita created a loving home for her growing family in South Boston and remained devoted to Gate of Heaven Church and school. She was active with the Parent Teacher Organization throughout her sons’ educations and a dedicated member of the Gate of Heaven Ladies’ Sodality. Rita also volunteered her time and business acumen to help her brother, Father John O’Connor, at whichever Boston parish he was assigned to. While he was pastor of Saint Theresa of Lisieux Parish in Sherborn, they worked tirelessly and successfully raising funds for the present church building.
The Thompsons retired in 1996, splitting their time between Naples, Florida, and their longtime summer home in Harwich. Rita became a golf enthusiast and served as president of the Cranberry Valley Women’s Golf Association. She later enjoyed serving terms in each office of the Cape Cod Women’s Golf Association. Rita liked gardening and particularly loved hosting her children and grandchildren at her homes.
She is survived by four sons, Frederick Thompson, Jr., of Boston, John “Jack” Thompson and wife Jean Weidemier of Sherborn, Richard Thompson and wife Susan, and Mark Thompson and wife Lisa, all of Framingham; seven grandchildren, Matthew, Frederick III, Neil, Jessica, Ryan, Jeremy, and Connor; and many nieces and nephews. She was also the sister of the late Rev. John J. O’Connor, Mary Ring, William O’Connor, and Theresa McCauley.
Her funeral will be from the John Everett & Sons Funeral Home, 4 Park Street at Natick Common, Natick, on Friday, June 22nd at 9:00a.m. with a Mass of Christian Burial in Saint Theresa of Lisieux Church, 35 South Main Street (Rte. 27), Sherborn, at 10:00a.m. Burial will follow at Saint Joseph Cemetery, West Roxbury. Visiting hours Thursday 5 – 8p.m.
Donations may be made in Rita’s memory to MetroWest Homecare & Hospice, 85 Lincoln St., Framingham, MA 01701.