Rita L. (Vendola) Benko, of Medford, passed away peacefully on Friday, March 18, 2016, at the Elmhurst Nursing home in Melrose. She was 90.
Born and raised in Medford, she was the daughter of the late John and Agnes (Moscato) Vendola.
Following graduation from Medford High School, Rita went to work at Blue Cross/Blue Shield. She then married her husband John and the two raised their family in Medford. A homemaker, Rita always put her family first. She was a selfless woman who built her home with the corner stone of love and devotion.
After raising her two daughters, Rita went back to work as one of the first lunch mothers. Her first assignment was at the Osgood School and then was later assigned to the McGlynn School. In Rita’s spare time, she enjoyed being with people. She also enjoyed cooking. Some of her specialties were her eggplant, sauce and lentil soup. A woman of great faith, she was a loyal communicant of St. James Church in Medford.
Though Rita never drove, she was a strong and resourceful woman. She will be remembered as a great mother and most importantly a best friend to her daughters. She was a wonderful aunt and friend to many. Rita was a perfect example of kindness and love. She always had kind words for everyone. Rita made each person in her life feel loved and special.
Rita was the wife of the late John Benko, with whom she shared many loving years of marriage. She was the devoted mother of Susan Benko of Stoneham as well as Paula Bernaiche and her husband Robert of Medford. She was the loving sister of Lorraine Vendola of Medford, and the dear aunt of Barbara Caloggero, Marie Sharis, Janine Vendola and John Vendola Jr. Rita was preceded in death by her brother Joseph Vendola and his wife Marie.
Funeral from the Dello Russo Funeral Home, 306 Main Street, Medford, on Wednesday, March 23rd at 10:30 AM followed by a Funeral Mass celebrated in St. Joseph Church, 118 High Street, Medford at 11:30 AM. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend. Visiting hours will be held on Tuesday from 4 through 8 PM. Services will conclude with burial at Oak Grove Cemetery in Medford.