Rita C. Parker

Athol - Rita Parker of Athol, MA, passed away peacefully at Athol Memorial Hospital on June 25, 2018. She was born in South Barre, MA in 1917. She was the second of nine children born to Steen and Josephine (Brunelle) Ryder. Rita had twins who died in infancy. She was predeceased by her husband, Raymond Parker, her parents, and eight of her nine siblings. The deaths of her brothers, Joseph Ryder, of Sanford ME and Francis P. Ryder of Plante City FL occurred fairly recently. She is survived by her brother, Dr. Robert Ryder of Mashpee MA and many nieces and nephews. Professionally, Rita was a hairdresser who utilized her training to become a dog groomer. Rita was a tireless and unexcelled homemaker. She had outstanding talents as a knitter and seamstress, creating all her own clothing, drapes, and upholstering her furniture. Visitors at Christmas enjoyed the charming displays she fashioned in her front rooms, expanding each year with new ideas and additions. Her efforts beautified the home she never wanted to leave. She was comforted to be able to continue to live in it with her beloved dog, Cuddles, thanks to expert care given by and through her special friend, Linda Favreau. Linda obtained and supervised the loving staff who cared for her in her final years. Thus Rita fulfilled her dream of living out her final years in her own home. Calling Hours will be Wednesday, June 27 from 10:30-11:30am with a Funeral Mass held at Our Lady Immaculate Church, 192 School St. Athol following at 12pm. Burial will be held at a later date. To leave an online condolence please visit www.mackfamilyfh.com Fiske-Murphy & Mack Funeral Home 110 New Athol Rd. Orange is assisting the family with arrangements.