RITA J. (Burnham) ANDERSON

ANDERSON, Rita J. (Burnham), 70, of Pilgrim Ave., passed away on Thursday, May 17, 2018 at Kent Hospital.  She was the wife of the late Stephen J. Anderson.

Born January 19, 1948 in Providence, she was the daughter of Rita (Moon) Burnham of Coventry and the late Francis Burnham.

Rita was a well-known teacher who worked in many school systems throughout the State of Rhode Island.  With over 30 years of experience in education, Rita spent most of her years teaching at St. Rocco’s School in Johnston, followed by many more years in the Coventry Public School System where she retired from in 2015.  She served as a State Representative of Rhode Island District 29 as well.  She loved to play golf and work in her gardens.  She also loved animals and had many pets over the years.  Rita was devoted to her family, very much to her children, but most of all to her grandchildren.  Her grandchildren were her life! 

She is survived by her loving children, Christopher P. Anderson of Coventry, Jeremy M. Anderson and his wife Jennifer of North Stonington, CT and Jill K. Anderson and her husband James Vieira of Fall River, MA; 4 sisters, Linda Stafford of MA, Marsha Mann of West Greenwich, Wendy Burnham of Lincoln and Kathy Burnham of Miami, FL and 3 grandchildren, Stephen Vieira and Chase and Landry Anderson.

Visitation will be held Saturday from 11:00 – 2:00 pm in the IANNOTTI Funeral Home, 415 Washington St. (Rte.117), Coventry, with a Funeral Service to follow at 2:00 pm.  Burial will be private.  In lieu of flowers, donations to the RISPCA, 186 Amaral St., Riverside, RI 02915 would be appreciated.  

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