Rita O'Brien Gaherin

FALMOUTH — Rita O'Brien Gaherin of Cotuit, a longtime Cape Cod resident, formerly of Westport, Conn., and Bradenton Fla., died peacefully of old age Friday, June 27, at Atria Woodbriar in Falmouth.

At the time of her death she was fortunate to have been surrounded by members of her loving family.

Born Oct. 3, 1915, in Dungarvin, County Waterford, Eire, she came to the United States with her family as a small child. One of Mary and James O'Brien's nine children, she grew up in New York City. At the age of 19 she married John J. Gaherin, to whom she remained married until his death in 2001. Throughout her life she was devoted to her husband and the advancement of his successful career as a labor relations expert. She also dedicated herself to the raising of their seven children.

For some years Rita shared her outstanding talent at Irish step dancing by teaching children's step dancing classes. As her children grew older she was able to spend more time playing her beloved game of bridge. Well into her 80s she was still recognized as a champion duplicate bridge player.

A true believer in the Mind, Body, Spirit way of life, she practiced yoga regularly; promoted the conservation of energy and environmental resources; and consistently demonstrated optimism and kindness to those with whom she came in contact. She believed in helping those less fortunate and for years she served as a volunteer for a crisis intervention center in Florida. Though she led a remarkably long and blessed life, she will be missed by her family and all those who knew her.

Rita Gaherin is survived by her children, John J. Gaherin Jr. and wife Carole of Spokane, Wash., Pamela Watson, widow of Barron Watson, of Galveston, Texas, Stephanie Keane and husband Dr. William Keane of Placida, Fla., Pegeen Gaherin of Cotuit, Tara Gaherin of Centennial, Colo., Maryann Heller and husband Fred of Belmont, and Seana Gaherin and Robert Dunn of Sandwich; grandchildren Keri Gaherin Janda, Michael Gaherin, Willis Watson, Alicia Keane vanOostrum, Elizabeth Keane Faubert, Aubrey Houdeshall and Moira Houdeshall; and six great-grandchildren.

Visiting hours will held in John-Lawrence Funeral Home, 3778 Falmouth Road (Route 28), Marstons Mills on Tuesday, July 1, from 5 to 7 p.m. A Mass of Christian burial will be held in Our Lady of Victory Church, 230 S. Main St., Centerville, on Wednesday, July 2, at 11 a.m. Burial will be private.

Those wishing to do so may make contributions in Rita's memory to the John J. Gaherin Scholarship for Geriatric Nursing at the University of Texas Medical Branch, School of Nursing Office of Development, 301 University Blvd., Galveston, TX 77555.