Rita E. Kinsella, age 89, passed away peacefully on Monday, May 11, 2026, in her home, surrounded by her family. Born on January 7, 1937 in Socorro, New Mexico, Rita moved to Leominster, Massachusetts as a young child, where she would spend the remainder of her life.

Rita was beloved by all who knew her and leaves behind a legacy of laughter, strength, and unconditional love. She was fierce, unforgettable, and truly the life of the party. Whether she was making everyone laugh at a family gathering or offering comfort during difficult times, she always showed up for the people she loved. Her family meant everything to her, and nothing brought her more joy than having everyone together.

She especially loved hosting family holidays and created a cherished tradition of annual summer cookouts at her home— gatherings filled with food, stories, music, games, and memories that her family will carry forever.

Rita had a gift for making people feel loved. She enjoyed knitting and crocheting and became especially famous for her handmade “baby booties,” lovingly made for generations of family and friends. She also enjoyed cooking, spending time with friends at the casino, socializing over a martini, and cheering on the New England Patriots every football season.

Above all else, Rita will be remembered for her enormous heart, her strength, her humor, and the way she made everyone feel like family. To her loved ones, she was simply “Grammy,” a name spoken with deep love, warmth, and pride. Her absence leaves an immeasurable void, but the traditions, love, and memories she created will live on through all who knew her.

She is survived by her children, Rhonda Lemoine and her husband, Aime; Randall Saudelli and his wife, Cathy; Robin Kowesky and her husband, Rick; and Ricardo Saudelli and his longtime partner, Sarah. She also leaves behind her daughter-in-law, Sue Saudelli, and her beloved nephew and niece, Lou Marrama and Rosina Cascone. Rita was the proud Grammy of Cara, Christina, Gina, Dayna, Nikki, Drea, Rocco, and Santino, and the loving great-grandmother of Anthony, Jailene, Jack, and Benjamin.

She was predeceased by her husbands Ronald T. Saudelli and Michael Kinsella; her son, Ronald J. Saudelli; her grandson, Anthony Lemoine; her parents, Nestor and Claudia Darr; and her siblings, Milan Darr and Germaine Marrama.

Calling hours will be held on Thursday, May 21 from 5:00PM to 7:00PM in Richardson Funeral Home, 106 West St., Leominster.  A funeral Mass will be held on Friday, May 22 at 11:00 AM  in St. Anna Parish with a burial to follow in St. Leo Cemetery. 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Rita E. (Darr) Kinsella, please visit our floral store.