Rita A. (Benoit) Mullen

Life Legacy

RUTLAND - Rita A. (Benoit) Mullen-Cerrone, 94, of Rutland, died on Friday, September 9, at St. Vincent’s Hospital in Worcester, surrounded by her family.  She leaves two sons, James W. Mullen and his wife, Arline of Spencer, and Jack M. Mullen and his wife, Kelly of Rutland; two daughters, Janice A. and her husband, Arnold B. Childs of Paxton and Susan J. and her husband, Richard P. Mantha of Oakham; her stepson, Richard Cerrone of Worcester; two stepdaughters, Barbara Bourassa of Spencer and Nancy Cerrone of Worcester; 22 grandchildren; 24 great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Rita was predeceased by her first husband of 40 years, William J. Mullen, Sr. and her husband of five years, Richard F. Cerrone, Sr., her son, William J. Mullen, Jr., her daughter, Joan M. Mullen, two sisters, Gertrude A. Henry and Doris M. Rogan, her stepson, Francis Cerrone and her granddaughter, Christine M. Combs.Rita was born in Auburn, MA, daughter of Ernest and Jennie (O’Connell) Benoit. She graduated from South High School and Becker Jr. College. She worked 18 years in the Regional Health Office in Rutland. Rita volunteered at the Rutland Senior Lunch Program. She was a member of the Worcester Chapter of AARP, and of the Friends of the Rutland Council of Aging. She loved to travel, play bingo and was an avid Red Sox fan.  Relatives and friends are invited to visit with Rita’s family from 5 to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, September 13, at the Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main St., Holden. Funeral services for Rita will be held on Wednesday, September 14, with a 10 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial at St. Patrick's Church, 258 Main St., Rutland, MA 01543. Interment will follow at Worcester County Memorial Park in Paxton. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Rita’s name to St. Patrick’s Church. To share a memory or offer an online condolence, please visit our "Guest Book" here on our page.