LEICESTER: Rita A. (Williamson), age 101, passed away on January 13 th at the Overlook Masonic Home in Charlton.
Rita was born in Leicester on October 31, 1920 to Arthur and Ellen (Bell) Williamson. Raised in Leicester,
Rita graduated from Leicester High School and attended Our Lady of the Elms College. After raising her
family, Rita began a career with the United States Postal Service and retired as Postmaster of the
Rochdale Post Office.
Rita is survived by her three daughters, Ann M. Blaisdell of East Brookfield, Susan E. Lennerton of
Worcester, and Joan F. Whitney and her husband Russell of Leicester; 4 grandchildren, David Blaisdell
and his wife Sandra, Debra Ritzer and her partner, Ken Murphy, Laura Cox and her husband Rob, and
Marc Whitney and his wife Jessica; 3 great grandsons, Zachary Mahan, Gabriel Blaisdell, and Colin
Whitney, as well as several nieces and a nephew.
Rita was predeceased by her beloved husband of 65 years, Gerald F. Lennerton, in 2007, her sister, Mary
(Williamson) Bergin and her son-in-law, Harry R. Blaisdell.
Rita lived on Pine Street in Leicester for 98 years and enjoyed watching the generations of families come
and go. The front porch was the nightly gathering spot for family and neighbors. Laughter was shared
and perhaps a cocktail or two. She loved people and hearing their stories. Her curiosity and interest
remained active even in recent years. She read avidly up until the very end of her life.
A special thank you to everyone who sent her greeting cards and notes. Every one was read, reread and
treasured.
Rita’s family would like to thank the caregivers at The Overlook for their compassion and dedication to
their mother.
A funeral service will be held on Thursday, January 20th at 11:00 AM in Morin Funeral Home, 1131 Main
Street, Leicester. A calling hour will precede the service from 10:00-11:00 AM. Burial at Pine Grove
cemetery will be private. Due to Covid 19, masks will be required for attendance.
In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to the Swan Tavern restoration. Checks should be
made payable to The Leicester Historical Society, 22 Rawson Street, Leicester, MA 01524.