Rita A. Pratt

Rita A. Pratt, 70, of Rumford, died at home on September 29 from pancreatic cancer.

Born in Pawtucket, RI, she was the daughter of the late Walter E. and Cecelia (Breton) Pratt. A graduate of Salve Regina University, Rita earned her Masters Degree in Pastoral Ministry from LaSalle College in Philadelphia.

Rita spent most of her career at St Raphael Academy in Pawtucket, RI, as the Director of Pastoral Services. Rita received numerous awards for her work with young people as an educator and in their faith formation in the spirit of St. John-Baptiste de la Salle. She was also the co-creator of “Called by Name,” which is an Ignation based Spiritual Direction Ministry offering spiritual direction and retreats. She was a former Sister of Mercy and Hospice Chaplain.

Rita is survived by her loving family, Donna M. D’Aloia, Rev. Bernard C. Lavin, Anne Bocchini (Richard), Sandra and Vincent LaValle, Susan Coyle, Richard Bocchini (Jessica), Leah and David Cassellia, David and Lauren LaValle, many great nieces and nephews and a host of loving friends.

Her funeral will be held on Thursday, October 4, at 8:30 a.m. from the Barrett & Cotter Funeral Home, 1328 Warwick Avenue, Warwick, with a Concelebrated Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. in St. Jude Church, 301 Front Street, Lincoln. Visiting hours will be on Wednesday from 4-7 p.m. Burial will be in Swan Point Cemetery, Providence.

Flowers are respectfully omitted. Contributions in her memory may be made to the Sisters of Mercy, 15 Highland View Road, Cumberland, RI 02864, or St. Raphael Academy, 123 Walcott Street, Pawtucket, RI 02860, or Pawtucket Soup Kitchen, P.O. Box 3102, Pawtucket, RI 02861.