Rita Hitchings

Groton — Mary “Rita” Hitchings, 94, of Groton passed away peacefully Sunday, March 31, 2023, at Fairview in Groton.

She was born in Uxbridge, Mass., on March 19, 1930, the daughter of Arthur and Mary Bartlett Brochu. She was married to John J. Hitchings on April 15, 1961, in Groton. John passed away July 18, 1990.

Rita graduated from Robert E. Fitch Sr. High School in the class of 1947. She worked many years as a cashier at A & P and Big Y in Groton.

She is survived by her daughters, Deborah Robbins of Florida, Melanie Hartley (Bill) of Groton and Valerie Hitchings (Frankie) of Groton; her grandchildren, Deb Cwynar Miller (Doug), Jason Hartley, Erin Tirrell, Justin Baits, Chelsea Hitchings; and four great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by her son John C. Hitchings and her three brothers.

Rita was very active and involved for many years in the Groton Senior Center, where she performed with the Swinging Stars, singing, dancing and performing for various groups. Her other passions throughout her life were bowling, golfing, and lots of traveling in her later years. She kayaked and zip lined in her 80s. She was a beloved cashier and worked at Big Y in Mystic until she was 84. The family would like to give a very special thank you to Fairview, which took amazing care of Rita for eight years. She loved them all as family.

A visitation will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, April 4, at the Byles Groton Memorial Home, 310 Thames St. Interment will be private. Donations in her memory may be directed to Fairview, 235 Lestertown Road, Groton, CT 06340. Please visit www.byles. com to sign the guest book or share a memory with the family.