Rita Evelyn (Ryan) Gavin

Rita Evelyn (Ryan) Gavin passed away on Sunday, November 7, 2021 following a long illness.  

Rita was born August 27, 1927 in Boston, MA to Herbert and Helen (Barry) Ryan.  She grew up in Jamaica Plain, graduating from JP High. 

She was predeceased by her parents, her siblings and their spouses: Arline and Thomas Welch of West Roxbury, John and Laura Ryan of Hyde Park, and Marilyn and Joseph McKenna of Cape Elizabeth, ME. 

Rita was a loving, supportive mother to her five children and their spouses: Sheila and her husband Robert McLaughlin of Lithia, FL, Thomas Gavin and his wife Rosemary (Hood) of Mashpee, MA, Maureen and her husband Thomas Andrea of Marshfield, MA, Michael Gavin and his wife Roberta (Lyons) of Tolland, CT and Mary and her husband Robert Dougherty of Marshfield, MA.  Her 11 grandchildren loved to spend time with her over the years, celebrating holidays and special occasions, going on excursions, shopping, or just watching TV or reading.  But most of all she loved telling her grandchildren stories about her children and their antics as they grew up.  Most of those stories ended in laughter and “Have you heard this one?”  Rita also had 17 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews who will miss having those opportunities.  As a resident at Jacobs Pond Estates in Norwell, she enjoyed playing cards and socializing with other residents and loved to spend time at the beach, reading, listening to music and walking outdoors, basking in the sunshine and appreciating her beautiful surroundings. 

When her children were grown and had left home, Rita went to work for the Federal Government at NCUA as a technician.

Visiting hours will be held on Friday, November 12, from 5-8 p.m., at McNamara-Sparrell Funeral Home in Norwell.  A Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, November 13, at St. Helen Church in Norwell at 10:00 a.m., with burial immediately following. 

The family would like to thank Rita’s many friends at Jacob Pond Estates for their kindness and support during her 20 years as a resident.  Additionally, thanks are extended to the staff of Bridges of Pembroke and Autumn Hospice for their compassion and care over this past year. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America, 322 Eighth Avenue, 16th Floor, New York, NY 1001.

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