Obituary of Rita Carpenter

Rita L. Carpenter a woman who immersed herself into her family, passed away surrounded by her family as they lovingly cared for her during her battle with cancer. She was 74 years old. Rita was born in Boston, Massachusetts in a home filled with deep Italian heritage. She learned so much from her mother, Antoinette, from cooking, being fiercely independent, and always placing your family’s needs above your own. Rita had grown up in Boston, raised her children in Arlington, lived in Woburn, and had lived the last 2 ½ years with her family in Clinton. Rita’s family was the center of her universe. She might have not been a wealthy woman, but she considered herself rich with the love she shared with her family and extended family. Because of Rita’s upbringing, her family did not need an excuse or reason to get together; they simply enjoyed each other’s company. She loved being with her family sharing her usage of her timeshare, vacations, trips to Story Land and the beach, family celebrations, school events, and any other activity, event, or opportunity to be with her family. She was so doting of her grandchildren and great grandchildren and was always available to lend a helping hand raising and caring for her family, with the exception of possibly her Bingo night. She was blessed to have shared so many years with her loving companion, the late Hank Kehoe. In her final days, there was no hesitation to her family as they came together as they learned from Rita to care for someone they loved and owed so much to. Rita was extremely independent and hardworking. She had continued work up until several months ago. In the end she would alternate work with her chemo treatments. She had worked as a switchboard operator and receptionist at MA-COM for 25 years and then at the Woburn Rehabilitation Center for 15 more years. During these recent years she worked at Market Basket where she simply enjoyed the company of her coworkers and shoppers. She volunteered her time with the Shriners and St. Anthony’s Church helping with fundraising, and setting up for events and activities. Rita loved being busy and sharing her special gifts with her family and friends. She has left a heart print on those she has touched during her 74 years and her memory and spirit will always remain with those she loved. Rita was the Loving mother of Marie Osborn & her ex-husband Kilby Osborn, III of Fitchburg, Kim Murphy & her husband Daniel of Clinton, Robert Carpenter, III & his wife Katie of Lawrence. She was the loving companion of the late Hank Kehoe. Sister of the late Laura Burton. She was the proud grandmother of Kilby Osborn, IV, Nicole Forsythe, Jennifer Koinange, Steven & Dawn Murphy and Sabrina, Leonard, & Robert Carpenter, IV. She was the special aunt of Alex Brown, Doug Brown, and Darlene Brown Anderson. Rita was also survived by 14 great grandchildren. Rita was awaiting the birth of her 15th great grandchild who will be born in February of 2016. Funeral from the Edward V. Sullivan Funeral Home, 43 Winn St., BURLINGTON (exit 34 off Rt. 128/95, Woburn side) on Friday, July 24 at 9 a.m. Followed by a Mass of Christian Burial in St. Anthony Church, 851 Main St., Woburn at 10 a.m. Visiting hours Thursday from 4-8 p.m. Interment in St. Michael’s Cemetery, Boston. Memorials in Rita’s name may be made to the American Cancer Society, 30 Speen St., Framingham, MA 01701 or www.cancer.org.