Rita Helen (Abreu) Doherty, born April 21st, 1938, passed away on December 2nd, 2021. She is survived by her loving husband, Robert Edward Doherty, her sister, Rachel Abreu, her six children: Robert Doherty Jr. (Teresa Doherty), Kelly Fay, Cheryl Braulik, Tracy Doherty, David Doherty (Krista Doherty), and Jody Doherty, as well as her nine grandchildren: Erin Fay (Daniel Taylor), Ryan Fay, Adrianna Manzi, Nicolette Manzi, Jacob Doherty, Kian Braulik, Robert Doherty III, Haley Surette, and Patrick Doherty. She is also survived by her in-laws: Roberta Doherty, Paula Doherty, and Mary Potamis and her husband James.
Rita graduated from Woburn High School in 1955 and went on to earn her nursing degree from Melrose Hospital School of Nursing in 1958. A lifelong Woburn citizen, she married her high-school sweetheart, with whom she shared 63 happy years of marriage. Together, they raised six children. She was her children's most avid sports fan attending more hockey, basketball, football, field hockey, and softball games than can be counted. Rita and Bob's home was always open. They were gracious hosts of many parties and family celebrations. Rita will be remembered as a friendly, lively, and caring woman.
In her career, she worked in the nursery and as a psychiatric nurse at the Choate Hospital and later as a school nurse for the Woburn Public School system. Rita was very active in her community, involved in Woburn Pop Warner football and VNA Hospice, and campaigned for various political candidates. She was also a member at the Biddeford-Saco Country Club.
Rita lived a long and happy life, often traveling with her husband and their many friends. In her retirement, she loved reading, gardening, golfing, and spending time at the beach in Maine. She was incredibly loved and she will be missed.
Funeral services will be held from the McLaughlin - Dello Russo Family Funeral Home, 60 Pleasant St., WOBURN, Tuesday, December 7th, at 9 a.m. followed by a funeral Mass celebrated in St. Charles Borromeo Church, 280 Main St., Woburn, at 10 a.m. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend. Visiting hours will be held on Monday from 4 to 8 p.m. Services will conclude with burial at Calvary Cemetery, Winchester. It has been requested that all attending must wear a face mask. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made in Rita's memory to VNA Hospice Care, 100 Sylvan Rd., suite G500, Woburn, MA 01801.