77, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family in classic Kavanagh fashion. She was born October 18, 1940 in Providence where she was a lifelong resident. In the summer, Rita could be found at Roy Carpenter's Beach in Matunuck reading a book sipping sun tea surrounded by her family.

Married on September 15, 1962 to Paul E. Kavanagh, Sr. the love of her life since first grade. There weren't many quiet days in their 56 years of marriage as they raised eight fun-loving and unique children.

As an active parishioner of St. Raymond's Church Rita was a member of the leisure group and a Eucharistic Minister at Miriam Hospital for several years.

She was predeceased by her mother Margaret Kralik Kiernan, her father John Kiernan, sister Margaret (Peg) Kiernan Habershaw, and brother John (Jackie) Kiernan. She is survived by her husband Paul, her children and their spouses Mary & Seth Anderson, Nancy & Ron Andrews, Maureen & Gary Pepin, Paul & Carol Kavanagh, Jr., Robert (Bob) & Kimara Kavanagh, Joseph (Joe) Kavanagh, Peter Kavanagh & Grace Calore, Deborah & Adam Ruthowski. She leaves behind twelve grandchildren Eric Pepin, Joshua Anderson, Jacob Andrews and wife Meagan, Kaitlyn Pepin, Zoe Anderson, Trevor Andrews, Tianna Kavanagh, Rylee Rose Kavanagh, Hunter Kavanagh, Grace Kavanagh, Celia Ruthowski, and Edward Ruthowski. She also leaves behind numerous brother and sister-in-laws, nieces, nephews and many wonderful friends. She will be forever remembered for her love of family and having everyone together for holidays and summer days at the beach where there was never a shortage of food, laughter, and fond memories.

Her funeral will be on Thursday, April 5th at 8:30am from the Keefe Funeral Home, Five Higginson Ave., Lincoln, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10am in St. Raymond's Church, 1240 North Main St., Providence. Interment will follow in Rhode Island Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Exeter. Calling hours will be held on Wednesday from 4 - 7pm. Relatives and friends are invited. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to St. Raymond's St. Vincent DePaul, 1240 North Main Street, Providence, RI 02906 or Re-Focus, Inc., 45 Greely Street, Providence, RI 02904.