Rita C. DeCola

Rita C. (Rickley) DeCola, 94, passed away peacefully Saturday, March 17, 2018 at Holy Family Hospital in Methuen, MA. She was the beloved wife of the late Guido DeCola. Rita was born in Lawrence on June 6, 1923 the daughter of the late Louis and Adeline (Gallo) Rickley. Rita was raised in Lawrence having attended local schools.

She was employed as a clerk for Andover Bank for several years before her retirement. Rita enjoyed time with family and friends and was an avid basketball fan who loved the Boston Celtics. She will be dearly missed.

Rita is survived by her son, Thomas DeCola of Methuen; daughter, Kathleen Awad and husband, Joseph of Somerset; brother, Edward Rickley of Methuen; and two sisters, Louise Sarto of Methuen and Margaret Pelletier and husband, Rodger of Methuen. She also leaves behind six grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. In addition to her husband, Rita was predeceased by three brothers, Frank, Tony, Alfred, and Arthur Rickley.

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to visiting hours Wednesday, March 21, 2018 from 4:00 – 8:00 PM at Cataudella Funeral Home, 126 Pleasant Valley St., Methuen. A funeral mass will be held Thursday at 11:00 AM at St. Lucy Parish, 254 Merrimack St., Methuen. Burial will take place at Immaculate Conception Cemetery in Lawrence.