Rita C. Parker, 90, Plymouth
A Plymouth resident for all of her 90 years, Rita C. Parker was the matriarch of an extended family including several generations of offspring from her 12 siblings. She was always there for them, providing her Boot Pond home as the setting for family parties, cooking masterful meals and seasonal treats to be given out to them, or simply offering them a place to swim and a sympathetic ear. She died Monday after a brief illness, the only survivor of the 13 children of Rose and Norman J. DeCost.
Mrs. Parker worked as a personal chef throughout the area for many years, but her greatest joy was in the work she did in her garden and the yard and beach in front of her home. "She loved to watch the grandchildren and nieces and nephews when they were skating or boating on the pond," said her daughter, Susan Meharg. "She was firm -- kids knew they'd better behave at Aunt Rita's -- but they also knew she wanted them to have a good time."
An accomplished seamstress, Mrs. Parker was a Jordan Hospital volunteer who made numerous items for the craft wagon and put together kits so patients could have sewing projects. She also gave time to the Catholic Charities thrift shop, where she was known as the "Book Lady."
As a young woman, she served in the Woman's Army Corps during World War II.
She is survived by her daughter, Susan, her son, William Parker, and her son-in-law, Robert Meharg, of Plymouth; two grandsons, Robert Meharg, of Peak's Island, Maine, and Charles Parker , of Plymouth; two granddaughters, Sarah Meharg, of Washington, D.C., and Lillian Parker, of Alexandria, Va.; and many nieces and nephews. She was especially close to her nieces, Kathryn Rodriguez, of Carver, and Louise DeSisto, Jane Clough Busi and Sheila Clough Crifasi, all of Plymouth.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Salvation Army, 8 Carver Street, Plymouth, or Catholic Charities, 36 Cordage Park Circle, Plymouth. Visitation will be held on Saturday, February 14th from 10-11 am immediately followed by a Funeral Service at 11 o’clock at the Richard Davis Funeral Home, 373 Court St., Plymouth, MA 02360. Interment will be private. On-line condolences may be made at richarddavisfuneralhome.com