Rita M. Walsh

Rita Margaret Walsh, 89, walked into the loving arms of her Savior on Sat., August 30, 2008. She was born on Feb. 7, 1919 in Boston, MA, the daughter of Joseph & Ida L’Herault. Besides her parents, she was predeceased by her brothers Leon, Francis and Joseph L’Herault. A true champion of love, faith, charity and kindness, Rita spent her whole life in the service of others and truly lived an exemplary life that was an example to others. She graduated from Dean Academy; Milford Hospital School of Nursing; and Simmons College Public Health Nursing in MA. Following her education, she was a Public Health Nurse serving the towns of Wrentham, Norfolk, & Dover, MA. She was charge nurse for the Girls’ Infirmary at Wrentham State School, caring for physically and mentally challenged residents. In 1958 she relocated her family to Jacksonville, FL and began her work at River Garden Hebrew Home for the Aged as Director of Nursing. She officially retired from River Garden in 1983, but continued to work there in a different capacity, still helping to care for the residents. Rita was a member of Christ the King Catholic Church for over 40 years and most recently, a member of Holy Spirit parish. Her passions in life were her Catholic faith; her family; reading; cooking and doing for others, especially having direct contact with her many patients and their families. She later took care of several friends who were elderly and homebound, giving them her tireless love, friendship, and whatever assistance they required. She leaves behind a most heartbroken, but extremely grateful family, including her constant companion, a little Maltese named “Bubbles.” We are blessed to have known and loved her and been loved by her. Survivors include her son Jon Walsh (Judy); her daughter Judy Meade; Gordon & Linda Meade; grandsons Eric Meade, Douglas Meade (Kimberly), Danny Walsh (Emily); great-grandchildren Hunter, Luke, Nicholas, Brian, & Kristina Meade, Kaley and Patrick Fannin; niece Rita L’Herault and her daughter, Corey and family, nephew David L’Herault; and very dear friend, Larry McKay, all from the Jacksonville, FL area; as well as her nephew, Ronald L’Herault and his daughter, Elise, of MA. Visitation hours: Thursday, September 4th from 6:00 pm-8:00pm at Holy Spirit Catholic Church, 11665 Ft. Caroline Rd. with a Vigil and Rosary service at 7:00 pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday September 5th at 1:00pm at the church, with Fr. Ananda P. Maddineni and Msgr. Joseph R. Lamonde, Celebrants. Interment will follow in Arlington Park Cemetery. Arrangements by COREY-KERLIN FUNERAL HOME, 940 Cesery Blvd.