Sister Rita Barrett, SSJ, died Dec. 17, 2017, at the Sisters of St. Joseph Residence in Clarence. She was 91.
She was born July 19, 1926, in Scranton, Pa., to Martin and Margaret (Cooner) Barrett. Before joining the Sisters of St. Joseph in 1948, she worked at Our Lady of Victory Infant Home. She professed final vows in 1954.
Sister Rita received a bachelor's degree in education from Medaille College in Buffalo in 1968, and served as a teacher for 41 years.
She taught elementary school in Buffalo, Dunkirk, East Aurora and North Tonawanda. From 1979-84, she served as a librarian and reading coordinator at St. Matthew School in Buffalo. She dedicated much of her time to helping and educating children with special needs.
In 1991, Sister Rita moved to the sisters' residence in Clarence, where she was a driver and receptionist. She assisted fellow sisters with errands and enjoyed knitting.
She is survived by a sister, Marceline (Mickey); a brother, Eugene, and nieces and nephews.
A funeral Mass was offered in the Sisters of St. Joseph Residence.