THOMSON, Rita M. (“Tulip”), of Taunton, MA, formerly of Warwick, RI, beloved wife of the late Arthur J. Thomson, passed away suddenly, on August 8, 2021 at the age of 94. Born in Lowell, MA, she formerly lived in Dorcester, MA in St. Matthew’s Parish. Rita was the loving daughter of Patrick J. Connolly and Mary A. Connolly of Dorcester, MA, originally from County Galway, Ireland. She was the devoted sister to the late John Connolly of South Boston and the late Catherine (“Kay”) M. Guarino of Brockton. Rita retired from Amica Insurance Company, after more than 20 years of service, as an underwriter.
“Aunty Rita” was the most unselfish of people, always putting others before herself. She always thought of everyone’s well-being and comfort. She was a light who was always full of compliments and kindness to her family. With arms full of desserts, rolls and especially, the best home-made chocolate chip cookies, she arrived at family gatherings eagerly to give everyone something they enjoyed. She enjoyed being with the family, at any gathering, always having a cup of tea with her sister “Kay” and brother John. She was quick witted with an Irish sense of humor. Rita’s full attention was on whoever she talked with and the person felt understood. She was a very protective aunt, holding our hand, while crossing the street, even when we were 50 years of age, because she worried about our safety.
Watching food shows, writing down recipes, cooking and politics were her passions. In younger years, line dancing, senior center luncheons and day trips. She enjoyed Irish festivals, Native American arts and crafts and River Dance music. Bringing us out for lunch at her local restaurants was her favorite thing to do, with a battle over the bill when someone else tried to treat. She delighted at all of the children in the family, eagerly listening to them tell about what was happening, what they were doing and delighting in who they were as people. Rita always gave a compliment and was shy to receive one. Rita was our “Emily Post” and we all learned how to be very polite and how to sit at the table, prepared like a mini feast of assorted food and goodies. She loved goodies. She was a kind soul and a giver. She will always be remembered and always be missed at every family gathering, but will remain in our hearts and in our polite and caring behavior she instilled in us.
A kind and loving “Aunty Rita” of Kathy Guarino-Pope and her husband Andrew of Taunton, Christine Cassidy and her husband Bill of West Roxbury, the late Joseph L. Guarino Jr of Brockton, Denise Siteman of Brockton and Kevin Guarino of Brockton. A caring great aunt to Charlene and her husband Bill Tobin of Milford, Lisa Brown of Milford, Christopher and his wife Kristin Brown of Ocoee, FL, Matthew Cassidy of West Roxbury, the late Robert Siteman II of Brockton, Jennifer Siteman of New Bedford, Andrew Pope II of Marina Del Ray, CA and Catherine and her husband Anees Baz of North Chelmsford. She was a loving great great aunt, to Anthony Fowler of New Bedford, Cameron Fowler of New Bedford, James Fowler of New Bedford, Brianna Tobin of Milford, Cody Snow of Milford, Declan Brown of Ocoee, FL, and Emma Cassidy of West Roxbury.
Funeral Services will be private.