Rita F. Cullen, 88
NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — Rita Frances Cullen, 88, of 400 Bouchell Drive, New Smyrna Beach, Fla., formerly of North Adams, died Tuesday evening, Dec. 13, 2005, at home.
Born in North Adams on May 3, 1917, daughter of George F. and Rose Mary Perreault Rhodes, she attended the former St. Joseph's schools, graduated from St. Joseph's High School in 1936. She also graduated from the former Lottie Harriman's Hair Dressing School.
In her younger years, Mrs. Cullen was employed at the Orchid Beauty Salon. Primarily a homemaker, she was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother.
She was a communicant of St. Francis of Assisi Church and a member of the its Rosary Society and Bazaar Committee. She was active in the Girl Scouts and was a Brownie leader with the Freeman School troop. She was also a member of the Freeman School Parent Group.
She leaves her husband, Thomas William Cullen, whom she married Sept. 23, 1939, in St. Francis of Assisi Church; a daughter, Barbara Ann Clayton of West Yarmouth; two sons, Thomas William Cullen Jr., of Cedar City, Utah, and William John Cullen of Salem, N.H.; a sister, Eleanor M. Felix of North Adams; 11 grandchildren, six great-grandchildren and nieces and nephews.
Two sisters, Geraldine Lanoue and Claire Piaggi, and a brother, Frederick Rhodes, are deceased.
FUNERAL NOTICE — A Liturgy of Christian Burial for Mrs. Cullen will be celebrated in the spring at a time to be announced. Burial will be in Southview Cemetery.
There will be no calling hours.
Memorial donations may be made to Hospice of Volusia/Flagler in care of Flynn & Dagnoli-Montagna Home for Funerals, Central Chapels, 74 Marshall St., North Adams, MA 01247, which is in charge of arrangements.