Obituary of Italia Rita Morse

Italia F. “Rita” (Manduca) Morse, passed away on December 1, 2011. She was 97 years old. Married to her beloved husband for 58 years, the late William S. Morse who passed away in 1991. Rita was one of 12 born to the late Josephine (Belino) and Frank Manduca. Loving mother of Germaine L. Downer of Burlington, Kenneth D. Morse of Wilmington and the late William S. Morse, Jr. Rita was a meticulous homemaker, excellent cook, cake decorate and baker. She was a talented seamstress. She even taught herself how to knit and crotchet. Rita also enjoyed gardening and had flowers throughout her yard. She lived for her family making many afghans, sweaters, costumes, doll clothes and outfits for the girls. Rita was a Four-H leader in the late forties. She lived by the Golden Rule and was kind and always smiling and joking. Rita loved going to bingo at the Senior center in Burlington for the past 20 years. She was an avid reader right to the end. In her younger years she enjoyed playing whist. She worked part-time in Woburn for Singer Sewing Machine Co. giving lessons to new owners of machines. Rita came to Boston in a Model T Ford from Portland, Maine where she was born on August 28, 1914. Rita left school early to help support her family. She had many memories of her childhood that she enjoyed sharing with her family such as seeing fireman coming with horse drawn engines. Rita is only survived by one of her 11 siblings, her younger brother Anthony Manduca of Norway, Michigan. Rita was the beloved wife of the late William S. Morse. She was the loving mother of Germaine L. Downer of Burlington, Kenneth D. Morse of Wilmington and the late William S. Morse, Jr. She is survived by her daughter-in-law Esther L. Morse. Rita is also survived by 7 grandchildren; Douglas & his wife Sandy Downer, Keith & his wife Beth Downer, Sharon Johnson & her husband Gerald, Kenneth Jr & his wife Claire Morse, Guy & Scott Morse, Renee Boucher & her husband Anthony. Rita is also survived by 10 great grandchildren; Steven & David Downer, Kevin & his wife Cheri Downer, Ryan & Elana Downer, Sharleen Butler, Benjamin & Jessica Morse, Harrison & Russell Boucher. She also leaves one great granddaughter Rhiannon Downer. Funeral Services were private. Memorials in Rita’s name may be made to The First Baptist Church, 3 Winn St., Woburn, MA 01801.