Rita C. (Harrington) Long, 95, of Braintree, died Tuesday, April 3, 2018 at Queen Anne Nursing Home surrounded by family. She was the loving wife of the late Francis E. Long for 53 years.
Rita was born in Fall River and raised in Brockton a daughter of the late Edward and Helyn (Gardella) Harrington. She was a graduate of Brockton High School class of 1940 and the Williams Business School. Rita was a resident of Whitman for 45 years and later moved to Matfield Woods in West Bridgewater. Most recently she was a resident at Grove Manor in Braintree.
Rita was a communicant of Holy Ghost Church in Whitman and St. Ann's Church in West Bridgewater where she practiced her deep Catholic faith. She was a member of several civic and charitable organizations such as Catholic Charities, Women's Guild, and loved all card games especially cribbage. Over the years she traveled to many places with her late husband but her favorite place was visiting relatives in Ireland. Rita was most proud of being a grandmother and got the most enjoyment when the entire family would gather together. She was very social and cherished her many acquaintances and close friendships, some of which lasted over 75 years. Rita loved fashion, was always impeccably dressed and could usually be found in her favorite color purple which earned her the nick name The Lilac Lady.
Rita was the mother of seven children, Janet Long of Cambridge, Jeanne Holmgren and her husband John of Plymouth, Cathy Harkins and her husband George of Abington, Edward Long and his wife Nancy of Hanover, Maura Donahue and her husband Craig of Whitman, Francis Long of New Hampshire and the late John Long. She was the mother-in-law of Elise Long and Theresa Long. Grandmother to twelve and great grandmother (Gigi) of thirteen. She was the sister of the late Jean Halliday. Rita also leaves her sister-in-law Marion Long of Hyannis as well as many nieces and nephews.
Visiting hours will be held Saturday April 7, 2018 in the Conley Funeral Home 138 Belmont St. (rte. 123) Brockton from 9-11am. Funeral Mass at St. Ann’s Church, West Bridgewater at 11:30am. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery, Brockton. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Rita’s name to Catholic Charities, 169 Court Street, Brockton, MA 02302.