Obituary of Rita Parsons

Rita S. Parsons, 90, of Crestwood Manor, Whiting, died peacefully at home in her favorite chair on March 14, 2012. Born to Elizabeth (Rochford) and Harry Snyder of Westfield, NJ, Rita graduated from Holy Trinity High in Westfield. She met her late husband, Joseph D. Parsons Sr., at Prudential Insurance, Newark. They married in 1945 and raised six children in Westfield. Rita is survived by her children, Joseph (Gayle), Rancho Palos Verdes, CA; John (Patricia), Plainfield, NJ; Paul (Kathleen), Maplewood, NJ; Maryann (Jonathan) Wood, Needham, MA; James (Teresa), Oakmont, PA; Thomas (Mary), Moorestown, NJ; 16 grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; a cousin, Kathryn Durkin. Her sister, Elizabeth Noonan, preceded her in death. Rita worked for many years as a claims manager at Liberty Mutual Insurance. After retiring in 1984, she moved to Whiting where she was active as a volunteer with the library at Crestwood Village VI. In 2009, she moved into Crestwood Manor, enjoying her life there with many friends. Rita was a 25 year member of St Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church, Whiting. She will be remembered by all who knew and loved her as a person who, without fail, was present to those who needed her. A viewing will be held on Sunday from 4 - 8 pm at Manchester Memorial Funeral Home, 28 Schoolhouse Rd, Whiting, NJ. A Funeral Liturgy will be offered on Monday at 10:45 am at the All Saints Chapel of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church, Whiting. Interment will follow at the Brig. Gen. William C Doyle Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Arneytown.