Rita Stacey Havens

Born and raised in Marblehead, Rita was the daughter of Donald and Mary Stacey (Haritos). She was the beloved wife of Rensselaer Havens, with whom she shared 60 years of marriage before he passed away in January 2019. She was the devoted mother of Curt Havens, Stacey Barnes, Denise Pelligrini, Michael Havens, and Timothy Havens, and the dear sister of Donald Stacey, Jr., Thomas Stacey, and Charles Stacey.

She is survived by her children Curt Havens and wife Natalie Havens, Stacey Barnes and husband John Barnes, Denise Pelligrini, Timothy Havens and wife Amy Renz, 12 grandchildren, 14 great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

Rita grew up in Marblehead and graduated from Marblehead High School with the Class of 1957. She met and married her husband, Rens, and together they built a beautiful life and raised their family in the town she loved the most, Marblehead. Rita discovered her passion and talent in real estate, where she enjoyed a highly successful career and earned numerous top agent honors throughout the years. She truly loved her work and treasured the many friendships she formed with clients and colleagues along the way — many of those relationships lasting her lifetime.

Rita cherished spending time with family and friends. She and Rens loved to travel and enjoyed many adventures around the world with their closest friends, laughing and making lifetime memories. Her pride and joy were her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and she treasured every moment spent with them. Rita was a force, was incredibly generous and cared deeply for those around her. If anyone was ever in need, she would be the first to help without judgement. She was deeply loved by all who knew her and will be missed greatly.

A funeral service will be held on Friday, May 22, 2026, at 11:30am at St. Michael’s Episcopal Church at 26 Pleasant Street in Marblehead. A celebration of Rita’s life will follow the service. Burial will be held privately with family.

In honor of Rita’s lifelong love of children, memorial donations may be made to the Lynch/van Otterloo YMCA in support of Children’s Island Camp, in lieu of flowers or to the NorthShoreYMCA.org/donate or mailed to 40 Leggs Hill Road, Marblehead, MA 01945.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.eustisandcornellfuneralhome.com for the Havens Family.