Ford, M., Rita, 88, of Rumford Towers, Newman Avenue, Rumford, died peacefully on December 25, 2012.

A lifelong resident of East Providence, she was the daughter of the late Joseph F. and Margaret (Duffy) Ford.

Miss Ford was a teacher for the Providence School Department for 18 years before retiring in 1989. She was a graduate of Catholic University in 1955. She was a sister in the Order of Sisters of Mercy for 27 years. She received her Master’s Degree in Education from Rhode Island College in 1971. She was a member of the Rhode Island Teachers Association, the Rhode Island College Alumni Association and St. Theresa Senior Citizen’s Association.

She is survived by a sister; Irene E. Carrigan of Rumford and several nieces and nephews. She was the sister of the late Joseph F. Ford Raymond Ford and Margaret Burkard.

Her funeral service will be held on Friday December 28, 2012 in the W. RAYMOND WATSON FUNERAL HOME, 350 Willett Avenue, Riverside at 10:30 am. Burial will follow in Mount St. Mary Cemetery, Pawtucket. Calling hours and flowers are respectfully omitted.