FOLEY, Rita A. (Lyon) of Norwood, formerly of Roslindale, passed away peacefully in the comfort of her loving family on December 9, 2023.  Rita was born in Boston on January 19, 1940, the daughter of the late Rita M. (Tierney) and John C. Lyon.  Beloved wife of the late John M. Foley. Loving mother of Robert J. Ahearn and his fiancé Nina Ficaro Rago of Winthrop, John E. Ahearn and his wife Susan of Foxboro, Catherine T. Hardy and her husband Paul of Roslindale, Laureen M. Flahive and her husband Michael of Foxboro, and Michael P. Ahearn of Boston. Loving Stepmother of Nancy Boulter and her husband Bob of Mansfield, John M. Foley, Jr. and his wife Mary Ellen of Westport, Susan Britton and her husband Jimmy of Lowell, and Laureen Doolan of Kingston.  Rita was pre-deceased by her former husband Robert F. Ahearn. Cherished grandmother of Courtney, Jake, Sean, Jessica, Lauren, Margaret and John Jr. as well as her 9 step-grandchildren. Dear sister of Philip Lyon and his wife Kathleen and the late John Lyon and Catherine Hohenstein. Rita is also survived by many loving nieces, nephews and lifelong friends.

Rita enjoyed nothing more than spending time with her family, whom she considered her greatest accomplishment. You could find her cheering at her children's and grandchildren's games, plays or school concerts. And she was usually the loudest and proudest in the room. Rita loved the beach and never missed an opportunity to jet off to Aruba or Ft. Lauderdale with her beloved husband, John. She found great comfort after he passed ten years through spending time with the girls at "The Club", as they called the Norwood Senior Center. Always ready to dance and celebrate with family and friends, Rita truly was the life of the party and she will be sorely missed.

Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend visiting hours in the Robert J. Lawler and Crosby Funeral Home, 1803 Centre Street, West Roxbury on Friday, December 15, 2023, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, December 16, 2023, at 11:30 a.m. in The Holy Name Church, 1689 Centre Street, West Roxbury. Interment at Highland Cemetery, Norwood.  Donations in Rita's memory may be made to: Alzheimer's Association, 311 Arsenal St, Watertown, MA 02472 or at alz.org

For directions or to leave a condolence message for Rita's family, please visit: lawlerfuneralhome.com .

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