M. Rita Andersen (O’Neil) of Hingham, passed away peacefully with family by her side on February 12, 2017 at the age of 90. Born to Karl and Margaret O’Neil in Weymouth, Rita grew up with her six sisters. Rita graduated from Weymouth High School in 1945, where she also met her husband, Warren Andersen. The two were married shortly after Warren returned from military service in WWII. Rita and Warren settled in Hingham, raising their family in the house that Warren built and Rita has called home for the last 68 years.
Rita began working for High Vacuum Equipment Corp. in 1963, where she committed over 30 years to the company and retired as the Vice President of Finance and Administration. Rita’s ambition was matched with her passion for travel. She often shared stories of her travels including India for business, a sister’s trip to Italy, and a favorite mother-daughter trip to Bermuda, to name a few. Retirement for Rita entailed volunteering at the Hingham Senior Center, where she served as a SHINE counselor for many years. She was an avid golfer, a passion she shared with both her late husband and son. Rita also enjoyed time spent with her grandchildren, playing cards, gardening, and summer days at Corn Hill Beach in Truro.
Rita was predeceased by her beloved husband Warren H. Andersen in 1983. She is survived by her sisters Margaret MacKenzie and Nancy O’Neil. Rita was a devoted mother to Neil Andersen and wife Stephanie of Hingham, and Mary Beth Murphy of Norwell. Cherished grandmother of Michael Andersen of NH, Mary Elizabeth Dodge of NH, Melissa Murphy of Boston, and Elisabeth Murphy of NY. Rita is also survived by 6 great- grandchildren and 1 great-great- grandchild.
Services for Rita will be private at the request of the family. She will be interred at a later date in St. Paul’s Cemetery in Hingham. In lieu of flowers donations in memory of Rita may be made to Hospice of the South Shore at 30 Reservoir Park Dr. Rockland, MA 02370.