RITA T. (BYRNES) WALSH

79, formerly of Brooklyn New York and Cranston Rhode Island, passed away peacefully at Greenwich Farms Warwick on Friday January 25, 2013 with her loving family around her. She was the loving wife of Thomas P. Walsh (deceased). She is survived by her children: Veronica Finn of Floral Park NY, Colleen Howe of Warwick, RI, Kathleen Albertson of Cranston, RI, Michael Walsh of East Providence, RI, Theresa Becht of Saylorsburg, PA, Patricia Lepre of Warwick, RI and Thomas Walsh of Cumberland, RI, and their spouses Martin, Kevin, Don, Charles, Steven and Linda. She is also survived by her sisters Patricia Guerrero of New Jersey and Arlene Malichio of Bethel, CT. Rita was beloved by 17 grandchildren, Meredith, Laura, Christopher, Karen, Melissa, Christina, Michael Thomas, Nicholas, Ryan, Jesse, Ashley, Daniel, Amanda, Samantha, Dillon, Thomas and Katherine and 9 great grandchildren, who referred to her as "Super Nana." Rita was pre-deceased by her parents Henry and Veronica Byrnes, her sister Margaret McCallion and her brother John Byrnes. She also touched the lives of many other relatives, friends, colleagues and clients. Rita was an extraordinary person. She completed high school and went to college in her 40's, traveling back and forth to Boston on a daily basis to obtain her college degree. With her degree, she became a substance abuse counselor working for Cranston and Warwick Community Action counseling and helping those in need. She devoted her life to the service of others, first her siblings (her mother died when she was nine), then her husband and children, her community and finally her grandchildren and great grandchildren. Rita forged her path to heaven with her acts of kindness toward others and her strong faith in God. We will miss her greatly, but we know that she is reunited with her parents and siblings, dancing with our Dad and his wonderful siblings and God, who now has a very precious and extraordinary angel to watch over us all. Rita's Prayer I look at me and I see a miracle Each vein, each wrinkle, each breath a miracle. Oh God, How can I doubt you? I did not create myself, I did not make my own heart beat. You, God, gave me life. God, I refuse to let negative thoughts or anger Obscure the beauty of my life. My life is the story of your goodness, Your love, your care for me. Every dream I have ever had you have fulfilled. I trust you Lord to bring me safely home. --- Rita Walsh Funeral from the NARDOLILLO FUNERAL HOME & Crematory, 1278 Park Ave. on Tuesday at 11 a.m. followed by a service at the Church of the Ascension, 390 Pontiac Ave. Cranston at 12:30 p.m. Interment will be at RI Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Exeter.
Visiting hours are Monday from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.

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