Rita Walsh Bronson died April 10, 2023, at the Lewis County Residential Health Care Facility. Rita Margaret, the only child of Edward and Lorena Hoffman Walsh, was born at the home of her grandmother in Constableville on April 23, 1933.
Rita attended a one room schoolhouse in Highmarket before attending Constableville High School where she graduated with the Class of 1951. During her childhood years, Rita enjoyed growing up with her parents and grandfather on the family dairy farm. After graduation, Rita worked at Revere Copper and Brass in Rome. Rita married Philip Dolan Bronson on January 19, 1957, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Constableville with Father Robert J. McCarthy officiating. Philip died on May 19, 1999.
Following their wedding, Rita and Phil moved to Arlington, Virginia where Phil was stationed at Fort Belvoir. Rita worked for the United States Department of Commerce in Washington, D.C. during this time. After returning home, Rita and Phil lived in West Leyden until moving to Constableville. They lived on James Street where they raised their six children. Rita enjoyed cooking, baking, playing cards, reading, knitting, dancing and music. She was blessed with a quick wit and an entertaining sense of humor.
Rita is survived by her children and their families: Colleen Bronson; Bridget and Peter Sweredoski, Erin, Jack and John Francis Condon IV, Amber and Clif Roberts, Charley, Jessica and Colin Sweredoski; Bernadette and Jeff DeSantis, Anthony, Ashley and Arayna DeSantis, Nathan DeSantis; Philip and Tonya Bronson, Graham Bronson and Haley Miller and Gaelyn Bronson; Philomena, Robert and Henry Goss; Yvonne Bronson and Robert Aliasso. She is also survived by her sister-in-law Suzanne, her husband Bruce Boardman and several nieces and nephews. She is predeceased by in-laws Howard and Priscilla WIlbert, Glen and Nancy Keller, Mary Claire and Raymond Kessler, James and Beverly Bronson, and Daniel Bronson.
Arrangements are made with Trainor Funeral Home, Inc. 143 Schuyler St. Boonville, NY. In keeping with Rita’s wishes, there will be no calling hours. A Funeral Mass will be on Friday, April 14, 2023, 10 a.m. at St. Mary’s Church, Constableville with Father Lawrence Marullo officiating. Interment will be later in the spring at St. Patrick’s Cemetery in Constableville. Contributions can be made to the Lewis County Extended Care Facility Activities Department in Rita’s memory. The family appreciates the care Rita received by the staff on the fourth floor. The providers treated her like family.
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