Sunday October 5, 2025. Born in Springfield on January 8,1943 to the late James and Lena (Rita A. Lawrie, beloved mother, grandmother and friend, passed away peacefully on Morin) Babcock, Rita was raised and educated in West Springfield. She wed the love of her life John (Jack) Lawrie in 1966, and they welcomed their son John Jr. (Jay) and as a family grew in love creating many years of wonderful memories together. Rita believed her most important career was that of being a mother and she was a stay-at-home mom until Jay began school. She then began working in the cafeteria at West Springfield Junior High and continued her path to become the manager, a position she held until retirement. She and Jack enjoyed almost fifty years of camping at Village Green in Brimfield where Rita made many dear friends and spent many happy days. Rita was an avid craftsperson and left behind many beautiful creations for her family to treasure. Family was most important to Rita and spending time with them brought her immense joy. Her grand-daughter Shea was the sunshine of her life. Rita's love for her family and friends knew no bounds and spending time with them was precious to her. Her generous and kind ways will remain in the hearts of those whose lives she touched.

Surviving Rita are her loving son Jay Lawrie and his wife Kelly and their three children: Shea, Douglas (Mariah), and Zachary. She also leaves behind a large extended family of friends who will miss her greatly. Sadly, she was predeceased by her beloved Jack in 2020 and her brother James Babcock in 2025.

Visitation will be held on Friday October 10,2025 from 9-10 A.M. concluding with a funeral home service beginning at 10 A.M. Committal will follow at the Massachusetts Veterans Cemetery at 11 A.M. Memorial donations in Rita's name may be made to the Damour Center for Cancer Care 3550 Main Street Springfield MA 01107.