Rita A. (Nicetta) Torrisi

Rita A. Torrisi – Methuen, MA

Rita A. Torrisi (née Nicetta) of Methuen, and formerly of North Andover, passed away at home on July 11, 2026, at the age of 98. Rita spent her final moments with her daughters, who meant everything to her. Rita was predeceased by her husband of 62 years, Peter J. Torrisi.

Rita was born on June 29, 1928, in Lawrence, MA. She was a graduate of Johnson High School and Boston College School of Nursing. Rita was honored to be a registered nurse at Faulkner Hospital, Lawrence General Hospital, Holy Family Hospital, and Merrimack College. After her retirement, she would tell everyone within earshot that she was a former nurse and that nothing gets by her! She was sharp-witted to the very end.

Rita was the glue of the family and the heart of every celebration. She was known for her cooking, especially her meatballs. Rita loved sharing her recipes with her grandson, Kyle, who proudly prepared these dishes when she could not.  

Becoming a grandmother (“Ma”, as her family called her) was one of the greatest blessings of her life. Ma adored her grandchildren and great grandson with all her heart. Her signature message was a simple “I love you much”, which accompanied every text and every card.  

Ma is survived by four daughters: Maria and her husband Steven Kellerman, Anne-Margaret and her husband Gordon Bushnell, Gina and her husband David Moynihan, and Nina Torrisi. She is also survived by six grandchildren: Michael and his wife Amanda Kellerman, Alyssa Kellerman, Kyle, Nicholas and Hunter Bushnell, and Zachary Moynihan. One great grandchild, Evan Peter Kellerman (whose middle name was very meaningful to her), and two granddogs, Mozzie Moynihan and Bailey Kellerman, survive Ma as well. She also leaves behind many nieces and nephews.

Calling hours are Friday, July 24, 2026 from 10 - 10:30 AM at Dewhirst Boles Funeral Home. A funeral service will take place at the funeral home at 10:30 AM. Burial will follow the service in Ridgewood Cemetery in North Andover, MA.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Rita’s name to breakthrought1d.org

Please visit www.dewirstbolesfuneral.com for directions, or to sign the online guest book.

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