Rita A. Benjamin

SALEM, N.H. — Rita A. (Devine) Benjamin, 73, of Salem, N.H., formerly of Lawrence, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, Nov. 2, 2009 at the Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston, following injuries suffered during a fall.

Rita was born in Lowell and raised and educated in Lawrence. She was a graduate of Lawrence High School. Rita worked for the I.R.S. for 37 years as a Section Chief at both the Andover and Methuen service centers, prior to her retirement. She was and avid Red Sox and Patriots fan.

Those who knew Rita best knew that her life was dedicated unselfishly to her family. She most enjoyed spending time with her children and grandchildren and will be remembered as a giving and kind soul. She will be dearly missed.

Rita leaves her three children, Tom Benjamin of Las Vegas, William Benjamin and his wife Beverly Olisky of Lawrence, and Patricia Maloney and her husband Stephen of Salem, N.H.; a brother, Michael Devine and his wife Pat of Methuen; two sisters, Joan Remillard and her husband John of Derry, N.H., and Evelyn St. Hilaire and her husband Bob of Salisbury, N.H.; three grandchildren, Adam Maloney of Goffstown, N.H., and Leanne and Andrew Maloney of Salem, N.H.; a great-granddaughter, Noa Mash of Salem; five step-grandchildren and several nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.

ARRANGEMENTS: Friends may call from 4 to 7 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 6, at the Goundrey and Dewhirst Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 42 Main St., Salem. A funeral Mass in her honor will be held on Saturday at 10 a.m. at St. Joseph's Church, Salem. Cremation is to follow. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Salem Food Pantry, 287 Lawrence Road, Salem, NH 03079. For directions or to make an online condolence, please visit www.dewhirstfuneral.com.