Rita Lillian [Lawrence] Judge, 88, passed away peacefully at home after a brief illness on March 23, 2015. She was the loving wife of James F. Judge, with whom she shared sixty nine years of mutual devotion.
Rita was born in Lawrence on October 28, 1926, and with her sister and best friend, Eileen [Ivers], was raised under the loving guidance of her mother, Gertrude [O’Leary] Lawrence.
Rita was educated in the Lawrence school system, and as a young woman enjoyed dancing and roller skating. It was while skating that she first met James, and were inseparable ever since. She developed a passion and skill for card playing, especially 45s, and would take great pleasure in defeating her sons-in-law on a regular basis. Later in her life she became a devoted follower of the Red Sox and Patriots.
For many years Rita was employed at the former Riverside Pharmacy, a job she loved, and while there acquired innumerable friendships. She had an amazing ability to remember customer’s names and family relationships, and was approached throughout her life by those who remembered her from “back in the day”.
Like so many of her generation, Nana took her greatest joy from her family and the generations that followed. She was happiest when they were around at family occasions, visiting, or just calling on the telephone.
In addition to her husband and sister, Rita is survived by her children, Barbara and her husband Edward Schroeder of Windham, NH, Daniel and his wife Cathleen of Dracut, and Nancy and her husband Conrad Karcz of Dracut; grandchildren Scott Schroeder of Canton, Georgia, Kristen [Schroeder] Channen and her husband Russell of Methuen, Brehan Judge McCarthy and her husband Michael of Andover, Dannah [Judge] Foresta and her husband Paul of Dracut, Timothy Karcz and his wife Jessica of Arlington, Shane Karcz and his wife Amy of Reading, and Katelyn Karcz of Somervile. Rita was predeceased by her grandson, Sean Judge. She is also survived by 13 great-grandchildren, her brother-in-law Kenneth Henrick and his wife Mary of Methuen, and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
The family would like to extend its sincere appreciation for the fourth floor staff at Lawrence General Hospital, and to Merrimack Valley Hospice, particularly Laurie and Shelley, for their weeks of care and compassion.
Friends and guests are invited to call on Friday, March 27, 2015 at 4:00 PM until 8:00 PM at the Kenneth H. Pollard Funeral Home, 233 Lawrence St. Methuen. A mass of Christian Burial will take place on Saturday, March 28, 2015 at 11:30 AM at Our Lady of Good Counsel Parish/St. Theresa's Church, Plymouth St. Methuen. Interment to follow at the Immaculate Conception/St. Mary's Cemetery of Lawrence. In lieu of flowers, Rita had requested that donations be made in her memory to the Lt. Colonel Sean M Judge Memorial Scholarship in Military History at the Ohio State University Foundation, 1480 West Lane Ave., Columbus, Ohio 43221. Website https://www.giveto.osu.edu/igive/onlinegiving/fund_results.aspx?fund=482335&Name=Lieutenant+Colonel+Sean+M.+Judge 2C+PhD+Scholarship+in+Military+History. For directions and online guestbook, please visit the funeral home website, www.pollardfuneralhome.com. The Kenneth H. Pollard Funeral Home is honored to serve the Judge Family.