Obituary of Rita Wood

Rita K. Wood, an active member of the Burlington community, passed away at the Lahey Clinic Medical Center in Burlington on Saturday, January 28, 2012. She was 74 years old. Rita was born in Malden the daughter of the late George and Rosemary Dineen. She grew up in Malden and was a graduate of the Cheverus High School in Malden. She had worked as an Administrative Assistant for New England Telephone and as a clerk at Almy’s. Rita and her late husband Larry were very active residents since their coming to Burlington in 1967. Athletics were a big part of the Wood household. The kids played, Larry coached and umpired, and Rita had cookouts for teams, helped with dinners and dances for the sports organizations, and was her sons’ biggest fan. Being an incredible baker, the neighborhood children flocked to the Wood backyard for the fresh baked “goodies” Rita made daily. She was also a member of the Morgairs at St. Malachy’s Church. Later in life, she combined two of her passions-travel and history. Rita went on several cruises to many locations around the world with family and close friends. Some of her destinations included Europe, Russia, Greece, Alaska, and the Caribbean. While traveling she made a point to visit historical locations like the American Cemetery at Normandy, the Roman Colosseum, the Parthenon in Greece, and the Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor. She was a devoted and proud grandmother who always enjoyed the company of her five grandchildren. A trip to Nana’s house included her homemade treats and lively debates with them about movies, politics, and current events. Good natured back and forth kidding was also a staple of every visit. She enjoyed her many friends at Tower Hill in Burlington and especially enjoyed playing Wist and Bingo with her neighbors. She was the beloved wife of the late Lawrence A. Wood. She was the loving mother of Lawrence A. & his wife Paula of Woburn, David of Tewksbury, and the late James. She was the sister of Denise Morrissey of Tewksbury, Elaine Calvo of Wilmington, the late Rosemary Trimm, and Charles Dineen. She was the proud grandmother of Courtney, David, Lawrence “Adam”, Kevin, and Paul. Visiting hours will be held at the Edward V. Sullivan Funeral Home, 43 Winn St., BURLINGTON on Wednesday, February 1 at from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Followed by a Mass of Christian Burial in St. Malachy’s Church, 99 Bedford St., Burlington at Noon. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited. Interment will be private. Memorials in Rita’s name may be made to the American Cancer Society, 30 Speen St., Framingham, MA 01701.