Mary R. Cavanaugh

M. Rita Cavanaugh     1923 ~ 2008   Springfield- Mary Rita (Martineau) Cavanaugh, 84, of Springfield and formerly of Chicopee, entered into eternal rest on Wednesday March 5, 2008 at home. Rita was born on May 24, 1923 a daughter of the late Alfred J. and Madeline G. (Devine) Martineau. She was a communicant for many years at St. Patrick's Church, and was a past president of the F.O.E. auxiliary post 404, both in Chicopee. Rita began her working career at Uniroyal "Fisk" in Chicopee, and continued in the retail industry until her retirement in 1985. She was predeceased by her husband, John J. Cavanaugh in 1999; and a son in 1948. Rita is survived by six daughters, Patricia A. Boyd (Bill) of Belchertown, Mary G. Morgan (Harry) of Springfield, Jean K. Jamroz (Steve) of Pulaski, NY, Joan M. Hinterhaueser (Herman) of Palm City, FL, Ellen M. Longtin (Eddie) of Springfield, and Diane S. Fitzgerald (Mike Sr.) of East Longmeadow; 15 grandchildren, Debbie, John, Jennifer, Jackie, Jessica, Maryellen, Sean, Kellie, Keri-Ann, Gannon, Brittani, Michael, Katie, Jason, and Mike Jr.; 13 great grandchildren; two great-great grandchildren; a sister, Ann "Tootsie" Waters (Mike) of Lenore, NC; a godson, Robert Wilson; and many nieces and nephews. The Cavanaugh family would like to thank Dr. Victoria Peters and David Hill PA-C, and Colleen and Cathy at Spectrum Hospice for their care and compassion. The Cavanaugh family would like to personally thank Dr. Navab and Dr. Samuels for honoring all of Rita's wishes. Funeral service will be held on Monday March 10thbeginning at 9 a.m. from the Tylunas Funeral Home, 159 Broadway, with a Liturgy of Christian Burial to be celebrated at 10 a.m. in St. Patrick's Church, 319 Broadway, with Rites of Committal and Burial to follow in St. Patrick's Cemetery, Fuller Rd., all in Chicopee. Rita's family will receive relatives and friends on Sunday March 9that the visiting hours from 2-6 p.m. at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made in Rita's memory to the Alzheimer's Association, 264 Cottage St., Springfield, MA01104or Spectrum Hospice, 770 Converse St., Longmeadow, MA01106. For directions or online guestbook, visit www.tylunasfuneralhome.com .