Obituary of Rita Arseneaux

Rita M. Arseneaux, a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother passed away surrounded by her family at the Sunbridge of North Reading Nursing Facility on Monday afternoon, April 21, 2008. She was 82 years old. Rita was born in Winchester, the daughter of the late John and Margaret Murphy. She grew up and was educated in Medford. After she was married, she made her home in Cambridge before settling in Burlington 52 years ago. Rita had worked for the Town of Burlington for 20 years in the Assessor’s and Tax Collector’s offices. She had warm and pleasant approach with her coworkers and the residents Rita was the Matriarch of her large family. Her house was always filled with family and their friends. She gladly welcomed all her children’s friends to her home. She was fortunate to have seen her children grow to adults and to see them become caring and loving parents and grandparents. She was always present at her family’s special events and activities and was supportive in times of need. Even after her illness, her family gathered around her to make sure that she continued to be a part of all her family’s lives. She will be lovingly remembered. Rita was the beloved wife of the late Peter J. Arseneaux. She was the loving mother of Peter J. Arseneaux, Jr. & his wife Peggy of Glastonbury, CT, Margaret A. Solt & her husband Richard “Harry” of Salem, NH, James F. Arseneaux & his wife Nancy of Westford, Mary Russo & her husband Ken of Burlington, Patricia Flemming & her husband Paul of Burlington, and the late Jeanne Sawyer. She was the mother-in-law of David Sawyer & his wife Liz of Westford. She was predeceased by her siblings; Walter Murphy, John Murphy, and Ethel Carran. Rita was also survived by 15 Grandchildren and 5 Great Grandchildren. Funeral from the Edward V. Sullivan Funeral Home, 43 Winn St., BURLINGTON (exit 34 off Rt. 128, Woburn side) on Friday, April 25 at 9 a.m. Followed by a Mass of Christian Burial in St. Malachy’s Church, 99 Bedford St., Burlington at 10 a.m. Visiting hours Thursday 4-8 p.m. Interment in Chestnut Hill Cemetery, Burlington. Memorials in Rita’s name may be made to the Knights of Columbus Exceptional Children’s Fund, P.O. Box 25, Burlington, MA 01803.