Rita E. (O’Keefe) Coyle Ballos, 81, a lifelong Lowell resident, passed away peacefully after a long illness at Lowell General Hospital on Thursday morning, July 6. She was the widow of the late Thomas Ballos who passed away in 2009.
Rita was born in Lowell on November 15, 1941. A daughter of the late Cornelius T. O’Keefe and the late Elizabeth M. (Kelly) O’Keefe, she was raised and educated in Lowell.
In her younger days she volunteered for RARA. For her entire life she worked as a waitress. She worked at various Lowell area restaurants, most notably at the former Barney’s Delicatessen and The Owl Diner. She worked at the Owl Diner for several years before her illness forced her retirement at the age of 78. Rita was a constant at the Owl Diner, her smiling face and heart of gold on display daily. Most days she would start her day at approximately 4 a.m. with her first service of the day, to Lowell’s less fortunate who could always count on some toast and coffee from Rita. She would truly do anything for anyone who needed her help and lived a life of selflessness and putting others first. She also enjoyed various games, especially crossword puzzles and solitaire.
She is survived by her 4 children, John "Jack" Coyle and his wife Cara of Seattle, WA, Kellie Robbins and her husband, Doug, of Wheeling, WV, Timothy Coyle of Anaheim, CA, and Shanna Coyle of Dracut; her grandchildren, Tara Pelletier of Lowell, Stefanie Mullen of Lowell, Brittany Ramirez of Lowell, Keely Coyle of Seattle, WA, Erin Gariepy of Wheeling, WV, Brianna Robbins of Wheeling, WV, Jillian Robbins of Wheeling, WV, Morgan and Michael Coyle of Anaheim, CA, Michaela Coyle of Tyngsboro, Devin Cowgill of Tyngsboro, Meghan Cowgill of Dracut and Thomas Cowgill of Dracut. She also leaves her great grandchildren, Aaliyah Bluett of Texas, Caden Bluett both of Houston, TX, Arya Mogan of Wheeling, WV, Marcus, Melania and Dominic Coyle of Anaheim, CA, Alycia Lopez-Coviello and her husband Brett Coviello of Virginia, Jaylyn Santiago of Lowell; her brother, the last surviving of the O’Keefe siblings, Mickey O’Keefe and his wife, Donna, of Lowell and her sister in law, Sharon O’Keefe of Dracut. She also is survived by her stepchildren, Tommy Ballos of New York, Mike Ballos of Townsend, Lynn Turgeon of Townsend, Suzy Coffee of Georgia and her dear friend Dottie Dauteuil of Dracut.
She was the Grandmother of the late Shana Gariepy and sister of the late Lillian Gelberto, Terry Koukias, Francis O'Keefe, John O'Keefe, Elizabeth Westgate and Patricia Dixon and Thomas O’Keefe, and the mother in law of the late Susan Coyle.
The family would like to express their gratitude for the Lowell General doctors, nurses and staff who cared for Rita during her final days. The care and compassion she was shown will never be forgotten.
Her memorial visitation will take place on Tuesday, July 11 from 3 p.m. until 7 p.m. at McDonough Funeral Home, 14 Highland Street, Lowell, MA. Her funeral service will be held at 7 p.m. immediately following the visitation in the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, the family asks you to please consider a donation to the Lowell Transitional Living Center, 189 Middlesex Street, Lowell, MA 01852.