Rita (Bianco) Martin, 77, of 62 Breezy Knoll Drive, Mystic, beloved mother of Valerie Joseph and Catherine Sherman, died Friday at home after a courageous battle with cancer.
Rita was born in Boston, MA on June 4, 1927 the daughter of the late Nicholas and Catherine McMahon Bianco.
She married Norman J. Martin on November 2, 1949 in Boston and traveled with his during his 20 year career in the U.S. Navy. Upon his retirement, the couple settled in Mystic for the next four years. In 1978, they moved to Virginia Beach until Mr. Martin’s death on October 27, 1981. Rita then moved to Chesapeake, VA until April, 2003 when she returned to Connecticut.
Rita will be remembered as an incredible person who gave much of herself to all who knew and loved her. She always maintained a positive outlook and never complained. Her spirit was incredible and her passing leaves all those who loved her so grateful that she was a pert of their lives.
She is survived by her daughters and sons’in-law, Valerie and Michael Joseph of Mystic and Catherine and John Sherman of Virginia beach; 7 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren. In addition to her husband, she was predeceased by 2 sisters, Catherine Champa and Mary Reidy, 4 brothers, Nicholas, Richard, John, and Lois Bianco.
Rita’s family will greet relatives and friends at The Dinoto Funeral Home, 17 Pearl Street, Historic downtown Mystic, on Monday evening from 6-8pm. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Mary Mother of the Redeemer Church, 69 Groton Long Point Road, Groton on Tuesday at 10am. Burial will follow at Elm Grove Cemetery.
Donations in her memory may be made to Hospice, PO Box 902, Uncasville CT 06382. For obituary information, directions, or to send an online condolence/remembrance to the family, please visit www.dinotofuneral.com