Rita P (Dunning) Slavin

of Brighton, MA, passed peacefully after a brief bout with Covid on December 28th, 2020. Rita was an independent, healthy, spirited eighty-eight year old until the last two weeks of her life.

 Mom, as the family called her, was the beloved wife of the late William (Bill) Slavin. 

Additionally, she was a devoted, supportive and loving mother to her four sons and their spouses: Bill and Janice Slavin, Walpole MA; Tom Slavin and Dr. Mark Thall, Brookline, MA; Ed and Carol Slavin, Burlington, MA; John and Julia Slavin, North Reading, MA.

Rita was predeceased by her parents Mary and John Dunning of Brighton, MA 

and by her sisters Marie and Margaret (Peg) Dunning of Brighton. Her only remaining sibling is brother, John Dunning of Arlington, MA.

Mom (in this case, Grandma) was a loving champion of her six cherished grandchildren: Michelle, Kristen, Kayla, Liam, Emily, and Hannah.

Rita was born and raised in Brighton, MA. She was a life-long resident of Claymoss Road.  She was married to the love of her life, William (Bill) for 40 years till his passing in 1994.  Her family was the center of her life. 

Rita loved her work as a Boston Public School lunch aide.  She enjoyed her thirty-plus years in the role of providing oversight, assistance and comfort to thousands of elementary school children in the Allston/Brighton area and many of their teachers. They, in turn, gave her countless stories to share with friends and family.

Rita was a proud, participating member of St. Gabriel’s Parish in Brighton from the day she was born.

Mom was a very kind, friendly, caring soul with deep loyalty towards her friends and family. Those that knew her cherished the close relationship and friendship she fostered and nurtured with them over the years. Her circle of friends and family will miss her deeply.

Funeral Service and Interment Private.

In lieu of flowers, any donation one can afford to make to: West End House Boys & Girls Club, Honan Fellowship, Attn: R. Ash, 105 Allston St., Allston, MA 02134, will be greatly appreciated.

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