1927
Rita
2012
Rita M. (Diotalevi) Kuehl
June 20, 1927 — July 1, 2012
She was born in Winchendon on June 20, 1927, daughter of the late Adolph and Inis (Tameli) Diotalevi and lived in Winchendon until moving to Shrewsbury in December, 2008.
Rita is survived by her beloved husband of 63 years, Richard H. Kuehl: two daughters, Wendy L. Diamantopoulos and her husband James of Shrewsbury and Doreen I McCaw and her husband Albert McCaw of Fayetteville, North Carolina. She was cherished and will be greatly missed by her dear sister Anna J. Santini of Winchendon. Rita was the adored aunt of many nieces and nephews as well as the treasured friend of countless Winchendonians. She was predeceased in death by eight beloved siblings; her sisters Eva Dellasanta and Josephine Abare of Winchendon, Dirce Oliva of Tucson, Arizona and Laura Venuti and Zefferina Eusebi of Fano Italy and her brothers Augusto Diotalevi of Milford, and Henry Diatellive and Joseph Diotalevi of Gardner.
Rita was employed at the former Winchendon Fashions and other small companies for several years until her retirement. A 1945 graduate of Murdock High School, she was a member of Winchendon Golden Age Club and Immaculate Heart of Mary Church. She enjoyed dancing, walking, fishing and gardening (giving away tomatoes, zucchini, cucumbers and summer squash) and especially enjoyed “having fun” with her grandchildren. Rita also loved cooking her famous “spaghetti and meatballs” for many parties!
Rita took great pleasure in summer trips to Maine and Foxwoods. Traveling and Shopping were treasured past times although her greatest and most favorite role in life was as “grammy”. Her grandchildren feel special and lucky to remember a grandmother who was always there for them in countless ways, surrounding them with love and fun times. She will forever remain in their hearts and souls: Lee, Thea, Dean and Brad Diamantopoulos and Sabrina, Adam and Megan McCaw.
The family would like to thank Dr. John Harrington for his outstanding medical and emotional support in helping to maintain the dignity of Rita’s life throughout her illness. They also would like to thank the staff at St. Francis Adult Day Care Center and The Shrewsbury Nursing and Rehabilitation Center for making Rita’s “home away from home” a caring environment.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be Friday, July 6th at 12 Noon in Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, 52 Spruce Street, Winchendon. Burial will follow in Massachusetts Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery.
Calling hours in Stone-Ladeau Funeral Home, 343 Central Street, Winchendon are Friday, July 6th from 9:30 to 11:30 A.M.
Memorial donations may be made to Forward in Health, 192 Lawrence Street, Gardner, MA. 01440, St. Judes Hospital,262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105 and The Alzheimer’s Association, 480 Pleasant Street, Watertown, MA. 02472.
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