McLaughlin, Rita A. of West Roxbury, formerly of Roslindale, and most recently of Sophia Snow Place, passed away on September 24, 2018. Beloved daughter of the late Thomas J. and Grace F. (Connors) McLaughlin. Sister of late Edward McLaughlin (KIA, WWII) and Audrey M. Donahue. Sister-in-law of the late Francis X. Donahue. Loving Aunt of Linda A. Sabina and her husband Frank of Dedham and Carolyn D. McGrady and her husband William of Cumberland, Rhode Island. Great Aunt of Brian Sabina, Michael Popper and Gregory Sabina.
Rita proudly graduated from Girls Latin School in Boston. To date, she was the oldest living student from her class.
Rita was a graduate of Teachers College in Boston. She received her Masters Degree and continued with postgraduate courses. She was an energetic and passionate Boston Public School Teacher for 40 years. She taught Second Grade for 35 years at the G.H. Conley School in Roslindale. Often, she would be stopped in church, on the street or in stores by her former students who would recall memorable impressions of being in Miss McLaughlin’s class.
Through her lifetime, Rita was an avid traveler, visiting over 50 countries and 6 continents. She made friends with travelers from all over the world and exchanged letters for many years. She enjoyed bringing souvenirs home to friends and family.
She belonged to the Holy Name Church Guild, the West Roxbury Garden Club, Parkway Club, and the VFW Club. Rita also enjoyed photography and reading.
During retirement, she was devoted to fund-raising and charity activities and was very involved with the social activities at Sophia Snow, where she made many friends.
Her family could always count on Rita to be the most enthusiastic supporter at Plays, Concerts, Birthday Parties, Weddings, Thanksgiving and Christmas Holiday celebrations!
Visiting hours at the P.E. Murray-F.J. Higgins, G.F. Doherty and Sons Funeral Home, 2000 Centre St., West Roxbury on Thursday, September 27th from 4-7 p.m. funeral from the funeral home on Friday, September 28th at 10:30 a.m. followed by a funeral Mass at Holy Name Church, West Roxbury at 11:30 a.m.
Interment at St. Joseph Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Sophia Snow House Resident Fund in honor of her memory.