Westborough – Rita D. (Papale) Dunlop, 88, passed away peacefully, Friday, November 26th, 2021 after having spent a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday with her family.
Rita was born in Worcester on July 14, 1933, a daughter of Italian immigrants Francesco and Luisa (Avenia) Papale. Educated and raised in Worcester, Rita graduated from Worcester Girls Trade School. She had lived in both Worcester and Rutland before becoming a 20-year resident of Westborough.
Rita is survived by a son, Richard Dunlop, and his wife Brenda of Brookfield; a sister, Mary Andresano in Arizona; six grandchildren, Andrew, Alicia, Jodie, Kara, Shayna, and Sage; nine great grandchildren; many nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends. Rita’s husband William Dunlop, Sr., passed away in 1971 and son, William Dunlop, Jr. passed away in 1990. She was also predeceased by six siblings, brothers, Mario, Francis, Nicholas, and Frank Papale and sisters Gloria Billings and Louise Stucchi.
Rita worked at C&S Wholesale Grocers in Worcester for many years and in retirement worked for the Stop and Shop Grocery Store in Westborough, as a customer service rep and cashier for over 14 years. Notably still working to the day.
A woman of great faith and dedication, she was a member, Eucharistic minister, and volunteer at St Luke the Evangelist Church. She loved music and sang for the musical troupe, Sweet Adelines, for over 39 years.
Rita enjoyed cruises and travel, most notably to Aruba. She enjoyed the activities at the Westborough Senior Center, as well as playing cards with her friends and family members.
Rita’s devotion to her family and friends will be a lasting legacy as she will be remembered and dearly missed. Her grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews were her greatest delight and times spent with them her brightest.
Calling hours will be held Wednesday, December 1st from 4 pm to 7 pm in the MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation St. Services for Rita will be held on Thursday, December 2nd with a procession from the funeral home departing at 9:30 am to St. Luke the Evangelist Church, West Main St., Westborough where her funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:30 am. Burial next to her husband and son will follow in Moreland Cemetery, Paxton.
