Obituary for Rita D Whelan (Pisani)
Of Franklin and formerly of Medfield passed away on June 13, 2021 after a brief illness. She was a month shy of 88 years old.
She is predeceased by her beloved and adoring husband Karl Eugene Whelan, Jr., and her parents Salvatore Pisani and Caroline (Cerullo) Pisani. She is survived by her children Steven D. Whelan of Maine, Scott E. Whelan of Douglas, Massachusetts and his wife Sharon, and Lisa V. Whelan of Holliston, Massachusetts, and her husband Craig Fitzgerald. She found unlimited joy and pride in her grandchildren; Timothy Smith, Casey Whelan, Maggie Whelan, Katharine Fitzgerald, and Harrison Fitzgerald. She also leaves her best friend and partner at the slot machines, Sandy Robinson.
Though she was an only child, she and her two cousins, Bernice (Rosenthal) Kenny and Teresa (Yannaco) Mancuso were like sisters, spending their summers as kids at the family camp in Maine. Rita often recounted days of blueberry picking, local dances, and enormous Italian feasts cooked outside by an ever-expanding group of family and friends, followed by card games and bocce.
Rita graduated from Malden High School, worked as a Legal Secretary in Boston, and married her High School sweetheart Karl; or as she called him, Gene. She and Gene moved to Medfield to raise their family, and in Medfield, she became known as the Avon Lady. Everyone in town from the Bank to A&D TV knew and loved Rita. Her Cheerful and stylish demeanor led her to success in sales, winning several awards of which she was very proud.
She and Gene enjoyed traveling and being surrounded by family and friends, which was their ultimate joy. Rita through parties like no one else could, full of amazing food, laughter and fun. There wasn’t a minute where she wasn’t feeding, or trying to feed, anyone who visited her. She wouldn’t be happy unless you were enjoying a cup of tea and a meal or a snack with her at the kitchen table. She made a wonderful life for her family, with memories that they will cherish forever and pass on to the next generation.
In lieu of flowers, please feel free to donate to the charity of your choice in Rita’s name. A private graveside ceremony will be held with family.
She is predeceased by her beloved and adoring husband Karl Eugene Whelan, Jr., and her parents Salvatore Pisani and Caroline (Cerullo) Pisani. She is survived by her children Steven D. Whelan of Maine, Scott E. Whelan of Douglas, Massachusetts and his wife Sharon, and Lisa V. Whelan of Holliston, Massachusetts, and her husband Craig Fitzgerald. She found unlimited joy and pride in her grandchildren; Timothy Smith, Casey Whelan, Maggie Whelan, Katharine Fitzgerald, and Harrison Fitzgerald. She also leaves her best friend and partner at the slot machines, Sandy Robinson.
Though she was an only child, she and her two cousins, Bernice (Rosenthal) Kenny and Teresa (Yannaco) Mancuso were like sisters, spending their summers as kids at the family camp in Maine. Rita often recounted days of blueberry picking, local dances, and enormous Italian feasts cooked outside by an ever-expanding group of family and friends, followed by card games and bocce.
Rita graduated from Malden High School, worked as a Legal Secretary in Boston, and married her High School sweetheart Karl; or as she called him, Gene. She and Gene moved to Medfield to raise their family, and in Medfield, she became known as the Avon Lady. Everyone in town from the Bank to A&D TV knew and loved Rita. Her Cheerful and stylish demeanor led her to success in sales, winning several awards of which she was very proud.
She and Gene enjoyed traveling and being surrounded by family and friends, which was their ultimate joy. Rita through parties like no one else could, full of amazing food, laughter and fun. There wasn’t a minute where she wasn’t feeding, or trying to feed, anyone who visited her. She wouldn’t be happy unless you were enjoying a cup of tea and a meal or a snack with her at the kitchen table. She made a wonderful life for her family, with memories that they will cherish forever and pass on to the next generation.
In lieu of flowers, please feel free to donate to the charity of your choice in Rita’s name. A private graveside ceremony will be held with family.