Marlborough – Rita A. (Turner) Holt, 93, a life-long resident of Marlborough, passed away peacefully Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2013, surrounded by her loving family.
Born in Marlborough, Rita was the daughter of the late Stanley and Alice Turner. In 2001, she was predeceased by her husband, Ernest R. Holt, to whom she was married for 59 years.
She is survived by her son, James Holt and his wife Trish of Marlborough; her daughters, Judith Ryan and her husband Richard of Acton, Mary Saltus and husband Lloyd of Concord, and Patricia Cumming and husband Randy of Northborough; two sisters, Lucille Brigham and Jeanne Thivierge, both of Marlborough; a sister-in-law, Nita Holt of Westborough; 14 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. In addition to Ernest, she was predeceased by her brother, Clifford Turner, and her sisters, Dorothy Hannigan, Lorraine Quimby, and Ruth Gabriel. She also leaves behind many dear friends and families in the Greenwood Street neighborhood.
Rita graduated in 1938 from Marlborough High School. She was a home-maker, loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, and will always be remembered for her love, devotion, and generosity to her family and friends. She loved gardening, cooking, reading, listening to music, and providing welcome snacks and drinks to the many neighborhood children who would come to visit her.
Relatives and friends are invited to visit with Rita's family Friday, Dec. 6, from 4 -7 p.m., at the William R. Short and Son Funeral Home, 95 West Main St., Marlborough. Her funeral Mass will be celebrated Saturday, Dec. 7, at 9 a.m., at the Immaculate Conception Church, 11 Prospect St., Marlborough. Burial will be at Maplewood Cemetery in Marlborough.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Marlborough, 169 Pleasant St., Marlborough, MA 01752.
