Rita M. Scanlon

1931 - 2023

Rita M. Scanlon obituary, 1931-2023, East Longmeadow, MA

Rita M. Scanlon

1931 - 2023

BORN

1931

DIED

2023

Rita Scanlon Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers from Jan. 16 to Jan. 17, 2023.
Rita M. Scanlon 1931 - 2023 East Longmeadow Rita M. (Lynch) Scanlon, 91, passed away peacefully on January 13, 2023. Born in Leominster, MA, on August 29, 1931, Rita was the daughter of the late William E. and Mary E. (Barry) Lynch. She was a longtime resident of East Longmeadow, MA, together with her beloved husband of 58 years, Joseph, who pre-deceased her in 2014. Rita was a graduate of Leominster High School (1949), Fitchburg State College (1953) and earned a Master's degree at Springfield College (1958). She taught in the Springfield school system for many years, retiring in 1997. She was also a dedicated communicant of St. Michael's Church. Rita was an invaluable supporter and contributor to civic betterment. Her volunteer efforts included the East Longmeadow Garden Club, Heritage Park playground committee, and reading to the blind. As a lifelong learner, Rita took classes at Springfield College and traveled to new locales to explore different cultures. She especially enjoyed trips to the Caribbean, Hawaii, Europe, and the Panama Canal. Rita spent many happy years of retirement with Joe at their beach home on Cape Cod and winter months in Naples, FL, where she discovered new hobbies and interests. She tutored children of migrant families, attended bible classes, participated at funerals for those who had no family or friends, and learned to play mahjong to add to her enjoyment of playing card games. Rita leaves her loving children, Mary-Anne Stearns (John) of East Longmeadow, Susan Sheridan (David) of Quincy, Michael Scanlon (Melinda) of Mahopac, NY, Barry Scanlon (Lisa) of Alexandria, VA; her beloved grandchildren, Daniel (Magali) Stearns, Carolyn (Alex) Ciaramella, Matthew and Katie Sheridan, Tommy, Natalie and Liam Scanlon, Quincy, Riley, and Harper Scanlon and special great grandchildren, Léa Marie, Noah Joseph, and Clara Rita Stearns. Calling hours will be held Thursday, January 19, 2023, from 4-7 pm at the Wilbraham Funeral Home, 2551 Boston Rd, Wilbraham. Family and friends may meet for Rita's Funeral Mass on Friday at 12:00 Noon at St. Michael's Church, 128 Maple St., East Longmeadow with burial to follow in the Mass. Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Agawam. Memorial donations may be made to St. Michael's Vacation Bible School, 128 Maple St. East Longmeadow, MA 01028, or a charity of your choice.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Sign Rita Scanlon's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

September 16, 2023

John Sullivan posted to the memorial.

March 4, 2023

Cathy Ward Yurkunas posted to the memorial.

January 21, 2023

Rich & Alex posted to the memorial.

John Sullivan

September 16, 2023

To the Scanlon Family (Mary Anne, Susan, Michael & Barry)
Your mom was one of the best! She cared about everyone and went out of her way to help people. May she rest in peace! - John Sullivan (Thompkins Ave) & Suzette Sullivan

Cathy Ward Yurkunas

March 4, 2023

This photo may not end up in the East Longmeadow Historical Society, but my parents (Bill & Mary) got a kick out of hanging out with Rita & Dom, Ruth & Jim, Jim & Mary, Peggy & Pete, and the rest of the Irish Mafia.

Rich & Alex

January 21, 2023

Rita (Honey to us) was a wonderful woman. She and Joe (Joey to us) became dear friends as they comforted me through serious illness. We treasured their visits on their stopovers to see Barry and Family. And she never missed a Christmas card which she signed: "Love Honey and Joey in Heaven."

JoAnn Bourquard

January 20, 2023

To the Scanlon Fanily,
I´m so saddened by your mother´s passing. I came to know her at the pool. We had so much in common. I loved her wit, energy, and deep insights. I miss her and know you´ll continue to treasure the great lady she is.
JoAnn Bourquard

CYNTHIA JOHNSTON

January 20, 2023

Michael, Barry, Susan and Mary Ann,
I'm so sorry that Rita has passed away. She was such a joy. I'll missing hearing from her and the pictures that she would send of all of us together on the holidays and different occasions. I'll miss the Christmas cards, the 4th of July cards and special occasion cards that showed how her family has grown. She was a beautiful person. I'll pray for her every night as I do for your Dad.

GSC DC crew

January 19, 2023

Dear Barry and Scanlon family - On behalf of the Gentleman´s Social Club of WDC, please know you are in our thoughts and prayers.

Exquisite Tribute Standing Spray

DP, TOC, PG, JC, JM, RC, MPM

Sent Flowers

Linda Moriarty

January 19, 2023

I met Rita playing pitch at the Hampden Senior center. She loved chatting and laughing with others between games and was always pleasant to have at a table. I loved her accent and she eas lovely to know. God bless her.

Single Memorial Tree

Steve & Nancy Peskin

Planted Trees

Pat Pastoreck

January 17, 2023

Sending condolences to Rita´s family, she was a wonderful Mahjongg player and will be missed.
The Mahjongg Players of Hampden Senior Center

Jean L Dietrich

January 17, 2023

Rita was a member of our Red Hat group for many years and we were able to enjoy her company at many of our social events. She always had a smile and loved to join in the fun. We will miss her special ways and good nature. May she rest in peace. She will be missed. Queen Jean of the Holyoke Red Hatters and all of its members.

Dale Hunter MacDonald

January 17, 2023

Mary Anne,
So sorry to hear of your mom's passing. Keep your memories close to you heart. My deepest sympathy to you.

Donna Kuruc, Tommy Krotki & Jay Kuruc

January 17, 2023

Dear Mary-Anne, Susan, Michael & Barry,
Heartfelt condolences on the loss of your Mom. Rita will be terribly missed. She was such an inspiration, a gift to all who knew her. May the many beautiful memories of her comfort you during this difficult time.

Margaret O Murphy

January 16, 2023

Mary Anne, Susan , Michael and Barry I am sorry for your loss.
Your parents were such dear friends to my parents.
Margaret O'Neil Murphy

Darren Cromwell Sr.

January 16, 2023

Sending my deepest condolences to all of the Scanlons on your great loss of your mom,grandmother, great grandmothe, aunt and friend- Rita. She was a truly special person whose memory,I will always cherish. She was genuine, loving, funny and kind. If the world had more of her ilk we would all be living in a much kinder world. Sending much love to you all.

Kevin P. Doherty

January 16, 2023

To the Scanlon family,

Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers at this most difficult time. Rita loved her God, family and served her community. A life well lived. May she Rest in Peace.

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Wilbraham Funeral Home

2551 Boston Road, Wilbraham, MA 01095

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Sign Rita Scanlon's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

September 16, 2023

John Sullivan posted to the memorial.

March 4, 2023

Cathy Ward Yurkunas posted to the memorial.

January 21, 2023

Rich & Alex posted to the memorial.