Rita M. Brunelle

ATHOL - Rita M. Brunelle, 99 of Athol, died Wednesday, February 6, 2019 in Quabbin Valley Healthcare, Athol, MA. She was born in Springfield on August 24, 1919, the daughter of the late Phillip and the late Eva (Wood) Brunelle. Rita graduated from Cathedral High School in 1938, and served in the US Marines during World War II, stationed on the West Coast at the San Diego Marine Corps Base, San Francisco Department of Pacific. She graduated from Boston University and from University of Massachusetts Boston, Graduate School in Gerontology. Rita worked for General Electric in Burlington, VT for 20 years, for Boston University in the Dean's office until 1985, later moving to Greenfield and to Athol in 1990. Since that time she has worked in gerontology as a volunteer for Franklin County Home Care Corp. in area nursing homes. She was a member of the Swift River Heritage Group, Edward H. Phillips American Legion, Life member of Women Marine Association. She enjoyed traveling. She leaves one daughter: Elizabeth M. Hayes of Panama City, FL; nieces, Jeanne Marie Bohm of Clarence Center, NY, Helen Hall of Dorchester; several grandchildren, nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her nephew, Robert Murray, and sister, Mary Brainard. Funeral services will be held at a later date in the spring. For more information or to sign our online guest book please visit www.mackfmailyfh.com. Mack Family Funeral Homes - Higgin's O'Connor Chapel, 146 Main St., Athol is directing arrangements.