Rita Ellen Flaherty

Rita Ellen Flaherty peacefully entered into rest, on March 9, 2015. Rita was born on March 20, 1933 in Medford, Massachusetts to Ernest and Charlotte Tourigney. Rita was the oldest of four children. She grew up in Medford, Massachusetts and was a graduate of Medford High School in 1950 and Lawrence Memorial School of Nursing in 1953. After Nursing School she taught at Lawrence Memorial School of Nursing while attending Boston College. Rita cared for her grandparents, parents and siblings as well as her Husband and Children. She was also known as the Neighborhood Nurse to her children’s’ friends. She took care of friends and relatives, near and far, who sought her out for her support, quiet strength and gentle hands.

Rita was a Registered Nurse for 50 years, starting with teaching and after her six Children were grown, she returned to nursing in geriatrics where she became Director of Nursing at St. Camillus Skilled Nursing facility in Syracuse, NY. From there she continued utilizing her nursing experience and skills in various positions in the Medical Insurance field. After retiring, she stayed active working part-time and volunteering with many organizations including the Society of St. Vincent de Paul and St. Francis of Assisi Hospital Ministry. Rita was also a participant in the 20-year Woman’s Health Initiative Study.

She enjoyed reading, walking, swimming, traveling, exercising, and dancing with her husband and grandchildren. Rita’s idea of heaven was sitting in the sun, on the beach, with a book and her beloved dog, Jackie. She was also an active member of the Roman Catholic faith, and was a member of the St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Frisco, Texas.

Rita was married to John Flaherty for over 55 years. They were married at St. Raphaels Church, W. Medford, Massachusetts in 1959. Rita and John have six Children, as well as eleven Grandchildren.

Rita is survived by her husband John Flaherty of Frisco, Texas; six children, Ellen Flaherty-Rice of Frisco, Texas, Jay Flaherty and wife Suzanne of Austin, Texas, Mark Flaherty of Wesley Chapel, Florida, Jean Cusick of Frisco, Texas, Edward Flaherty of Ft. Myers, Florida, and Rita Hanrahan and husband Shawn of Maricopa, Arizona; eleven grandchildren, Kelby Flaherty, Calvin Cusick, Selena Flaherty, Connor Cusick, Kaitlin Cusick, Ailish Hanrahan, Ireland Hanrahan, Fiona Hanrahan, Gwendolyn Flaherty, Claire Flaherty, and Skye Flaherty; two brothers, Earnest Tourigney of Frisco, Texas, and Donald Tourigney of Palm Desert, CA. Rita is preceded in death by her parents, Earnest and Charlotte Tourigney, sister Joan Tourigney, and son-in-law James Cusick.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, Frisco Texas in Honor of Rita's service. www.svdpfrisco.org