Rita M. (Fenlon) Hassett

Rita M. Hassett, 87, entered into eternal life Friday, August 16, 2024 at Christopher Heights Assisted Living in Worcester.  Her beloved husband of 63 years, Daniel G. Hassett, passed away in 2021.

Born in Worcester, she was the daughter of the late Joseph (JH) and Elizabeth (Boyd) Fenlon, sister to the late Frederick Fenlon and Patricia (Fenlon) McGinn.

Rita went to St. Stephen’s High School in Worcester and graduated from Becker Junior College.  She held many jobs from nursery school teacher, administrative roles Worcester County Hospital, Hahnemann Rehabilitation Center, Red Cross, as well as volunteering for numerous organizations.

Rita’s focus was primarily on her family for her entire life.  She would sacrifice anything for her children and always made sure that they came first.  Her grandchildren and great grandchildren brought the biggest joy to her, along with her trusted pets Holly and Daisy.  She was an avid cook, passing along the best recipes, generation to generation.  Her happiest times were shared with family; especially at places like Maine, Cape Cod, Florida, Europe and cruises.  Many of her best friends were considered as “family” maintaining numerous childhood lifelong friendships.

She was a woman of God and life long member at Our Lady of the Rosary church in Worcester.

Rita is survived by what she considered to be her biggest joy in life, her family.  She is the loving mother of Christine Parent of Medina, Ohio, Daniel F. Hassett (Margaret) of Sutton, MA and Ann Marie Rousseau (William) of Worcester; cherished grandmother of Timothy (Sophia) Rousseau and great grandson Russell, Jennifer (Allen) Eng, Caitlyn Hassett (Nick Evans), Daniel Hassett, Carolyn (Mike) Bixby, Jason (Dana) Parent, Nicole (John) Betts and great grandson Eliot.  She also leaves her cherished pet dog Daisy.

Calling hours will be at Athy Memorial Home, 111 Lancaster Street on Wednesday August 21, from 9:00 to 10:15 am, followed by a Funeral Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 am at Our Lady of the Rosary Church, 25 Fales Street, Worcester.  

Our sincere thanks to the entire staff at Christopher Heights Assisted Living, whose care and compassion were a source of joy and peace for Rita and her family.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Christopher Heights Assisted Living Activities Fund, 20 Mary Scano Drive Worcester, MA 01605.