Obituary

Mary Rita (Doherty) McLaughlin, a 42 year resident of Chelmsford and formerly of Charlestown, died on Friday, April 10, 2009, at an assisted living home in Shrewsbury following a courageous battle with cancer. She was 79 years old.

Rita was born in Lawrence on July 20, 1929. She grew up in Charlestown, where she attended St. Mary's Parochial School and graduated from St. Mary's High School in Cambridge. Rita worked as an operator for The New England Telephone Company for over 20 years and then worked as a receptionist at A.G.F.A., a computer company for 25 years.

Rita is the beloved wife of the late Joseph M. McLaughlin and Gerard Russell. She is the loving daughter of Madge (McLaughlin) Doherty of Florida and formerly of Clonmany, County Donegal, Ireland, and the late Patrick Doherty. She is the devoted sister of Veronica Cooney of Florida, Janet McGonagle of Connecticut, Patricia Russell of Florida, Joan Mansfield of Florida, Helen Dinsmore of Florida, Hugh Doherty of Florida, John Doherty of Billerica and the late Marjorie Keenan. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend Rita's Funeral Mass on Tuesday, April 14, 2009, at 11 a.m. in St. Mary's Church, 55 Warren Street, Charlestown. Burial will be private.

In lieu of flowers, kindly make memorial donations in Rita's name to U-Mass Memorial Hospice, P.O. Box 2795, Worchester, MA 01613-9938.