Johnson, Rita, F., 95, of Plum Road, Riverside, died unexpectedly on February 26, 2011 at Charlton Memorial Hospital, Fall River, MA. She was the wife of the late Francis B. Johnson.

Born in Fall River, MA, a daughter of the late Michael J. and Mary M. (Sarsfield) Murphy, she lived in Riverside for 62 years and summered in West Yarmouth, MA.

Mrs. Johnson was a clerk for the East Providence School Department for 25 years before retiring in 1985.

Rita was a communicant of St. Brendan Church. She was a member of the Baker’s Beach Club in Westport, MA since 1938 and the Bass River Country Club in West Yarmouth, MA. She was an accomplished artist and enjoyed golfing. She was a devoted mother, grandmother and enjoyed spending time with her family.

She is survived by two daughters; Maureen R. Vavolotis and her husband Constantine of Rehoboth, MA and Kathleen M. Danforth and her husband Raymond of West Warwick, a son; Michael F. Johnson of Ashburn, VA, five beloved grandchildren; Stephanie, Paul, Cara, Hayley and Colby and several nieces and nephews. She was the sister of the late Rev. John J. Murphy, Marie A. and Michael A. Murphy.

Her funeral will be held on Thursday March 3, 2011 from the W. RAYMOND WATSON FUNERAL HOME, 350 Willett Avenue, Riverside at 8:45 am with a Mass of Christian Burial in St. Brendan Church, Turner Avenue, Riverside at 10 am. Burial will follow in St. Patrick Cemetery, 2233 Robeson Street, Fall River, MA. Calling hours are Wednesday 4-7 pm.