BEVERLY — Rita P. (Hoar) Scott, 92, a resident of Beverly and formerly of Wakefield and Danvers, passed away peacefully surrounded by the loving care of her family on June 1, 2015. .
Rita was born on March 9, 1923 in Boston, one of six children of the late James P. Hoar and Anna (Claus) Hoar. She was raised in South Boston where she graduated from Girls High School. On August 5, 1944, she married John M. Scott and raised their family in Malden, Melrose and Wakefield. Rita shaped her life around her faith, her family and her friends. She was humble, yet virtuous and imparted her goodness and love on anyone she met.
Following high school, Rita worked as a bookkeeper and clerk for the Boston Elevated Railway. However, most importantly, she was a mother to eight. After her children had grown, she exercised her expert skills as a seamstress for several years at Pleasant Service Cleaners in Melrose. In 1976, and for the next twenty years, Rita proudly worked in the rectory at Most Blessed Sacrament Church as the housekeeper. Rita viewed this as service to her church and her devotion to the priests she cared for was clear in everything she did. She was also a longtime parishioner of the church, and an active member of the Women’s Guild. She was an active member of TOPS; and while living at Heritage (Putnam Farm) at Danvers she served on many committees. Throughout her life and work, she made many close and long-lasting friendships.
True to herself and her faith, Rita was never envious or materialistic. She was as generous with her prayers and Mass cards as she was with her skills. She was often called on to alter new garments of any friend or neighbor; and thought it no bother to bake one of her exceptional pies, chocolate cakes or apple squares. She was quick witted, always ready to laugh and often delivered an original “one liner.” She was concerned with only what mattered most, her faith and her family; and served as a source of great inspiration. She was a contributor, a giver, and now her gifts will carry on through her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
Rita was and will remain a perpetual light that shined upon her family and friends.
Rita was the beloved wife of the late John M. Scott, with whom she shared 53 years of marriage. She was the devoted mother of Mary R. Carey and her husband Tom of Haverhill; James C. Scott and his wife Sue of Goffstown, New Hampshire; Kathleen M. McMahon and her husband Brian of Beverly; Joseph W. Scott and his partner Thom McMullen of Danvers and Helene M. Scott of Salem. She was predeceased by her loving children John M. Scott, Paul G. Scott and Margaret A. Charrette. She was the dear sister of Mildred Serena of Palm Harbor, Florida and South Yarmouth; and the late Helen Hoar, Marguerite Wilson, Sr. Borgia Hoar C.S.J., and James F. Hoar. She was the cherished grandmother of Kristen, Patricia, Dawn, James, Christopher, Jaclyn, Jennifer, David, Elizabeth, Michael, Dorothy, Caitlin, and Kirsten. She is also survived by 19 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.
Relatives and friends gathered in honor and remembrance of Rita’s life during visiting hours at the Robinson Funeral Home, 809 Main St., Melrose on Wednesday, June 3 and again on Thursday, June 4 before leaving in procession to Most Blessed Sacrament Church, 1155 Main St., Wakefield, where her funeral Mass was celebrated. Interment took place in St. Joseph Cemetery, West Roxbury. Gifts in Rita’s memory may be made to the Bethany Health Care Center, Office of Advancement, 97 Bethany Rd., Framingham, MA 01702, or to Most Blessed Sacrament Parish, 11 Grove St., Wakefield, MA 01880. For directions, online tribute or to share a memory, visit RobinsonFuneralHome.com.
