WORCESTER: Rita L. (Donohue) Whalen, 85, of 557 Southwest Cutoff, died Wednesday, February 10, 2010 at St. Vincent Hospital, after becoming ill at home. Her husband of 61 years, William F. “Buddy” Whalen, died September 28, 2008.
She leaves a daughter, Mary E. Simmons and her husband David of Leicester; a son, Paul M. Whalen and his wife Katherine of West Boylston; a sister, Elizabeth M. “Bette” Dunn of Worcester; a brother, Francis D. Donahue and his wife Amy of Sun City West, AZ; 5 grandchildren; 2 great granddaughters; a niece; 2 nephews; and many cousins. She was born in Worcester daughter of the late Michael F. and Margaret M. (Kelly) Donohue and lived in Worcester most of her life. She was a graduate of Auburn High School and Hahnemann Hospital School of Nursing.
Rita worked as a registered nurse at Hahnemann Hospital for several years. She had also worked at several Worcester area nursing homes including Lincoln Nursing Home for a short time. She was a long time member of the Family Motor Coach Association, an avid reader, and enjoyed spending time on Cape Cod with her family.
CALLING HOURS will be from 9:30 to 11 A.M. on SATURDAY, FEB. 13, in KELLY FUNERAL HOME, 154 Lincoln St., followed by a FUNERAL SERVICE in the funeral home at 11 A.M. After cremation, burial will be at the convenience of the family. The family suggests donations in memory of Rita be made to VNA Care Hospice, 120 Thomas St., Worcester, MA 01608.
Directions and condolence book available at www.kellyfuneralhome.com