Rita (Bolzan) Gava

Gava, Rita (Bolzan), age 99, of West Roxbury, passed away on August 14, 2023, just short of her 100th birthday. Rita was born on August 25, 1923 to Amabile and Giacomo Bolzan in Gaiarine (Treviso), Italy. Beloved wife of the late Merico E. Gava to whom she was married for over 58 years. Surviving her are: her daughter Diana Benedetti and her husband Robert of Canton and her son Roy Gava and his wife Saloua of Dedham. Nonna to Eric Gava of Las Vegas and to Jillian Gava Lancaster and her husband Christopher of Virginia. Great grandmother of Chase and Cole Lancaster. She also leaves several nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews.

Alone she courageously left Italy, her family and friends in 1948, travelling by boat to join her husband in the U.S. She was proud of becoming a U.S. citizen in 1953 and insisted on exercising her right to vote. For a while she worked as a seamstress in the Boston garment district. When she retired as a homemaker her passion was knitting sweaters, baby blankets, and scarves for family and friends. At the age of 98 she still enjoyed driving her car to meet up with friends at Dunkin Donuts and even if it was to drive around the block to children at the local elementary school during the pandemic crisis.

Funeral from The Robert J. Lawler & Crosby Funeral Home, 1803 Centre St. West Roxbury on Monday August 21, at 9:00 am. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in the Holy Name Church at 10:00. Relatives and friends are invited to attend. Visiting hours in the funeral home on Sunday August 20, from 4:00 to 8:00 pm. Interment St. Michael’s Cemetery, Roslindale.

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