Southbridge: Rita B. (Gignac) O'Brien, 97, of Southbridge, passed away on February 11th in Quaboag Rehabilitation and Skilled Care Center, after a brief illness.

She leaves her son, Timothy O'Brien of Southbridge; daughter, Sharon Lee Dube and her husband Alan of Charlton; brother, Lawrence Gignac of Webster; grandchildren, Sarah Dube, Angela Mondor, Alanna Lamica, Jonathan Dube, Emilie Rose Dube, Jennifer Reynolds, and Sean Reynolds, as well as 9 great grandchildren and her beloved dog Daisy.  She was predeceased by her husband Joseph A. O'Brien in 2009 and her daughter, Linda Noble in 1990.  Rita was born in Bennington, VT, the daughter of Theodore and Lucille (LaPierre) Gignac.

She enjoyed many activities including gardening, yard work, sewing and baking. An accomplished seamstress, Rita sewed her bridal trousseau as well as clothing for her children and grandchildren. She was a longtime member of Cohasse Country Club, played in the women's league for many years as well as spending many hours golfing with her husband Joe and son Tim. Rita was an active member of Sacred Heart Church, teaching CCD for many years and working on the planning committee for their annual October Bazaar. She was a devoted grandmother who spent countless hours with her grandchildren, enjoying summers in the pool.  She was a champion crossword puzzle solver, avid reader of mystery and Sci-Fi novels and devoted fan of Star-Trek. She loved music, especially Elvis Presley and Kris Kristofferson. She was a lover of animals, having many pets through the years, and donated generously to animal welfare charities.

A funeral service for Rita will be held on Tuesday, February 24th at 7:00pm in The Daniel T. Morrill Funeral Home, 130 Hamilton St., Southbridge. Calling hours in the funeral home will take place 5:00-7:00pm, prior to the service. A Celebration of Life and burial will take place on a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Second Chance Animal Services, 111 Young Rd., East Brookfield, MA 01515.