Sturbridge: Rita L. (Windheim) Roymans, 77, of Cricket Dr., passed away on Friday, Sept.17 ^th , after a long illness.

She leaves her husband of 54 years, Emil A. Roymans; her four daughters, Amy R. Heffernan and her husband Keith of Wilton, CT, Heather M. Roymans and her husband Jonathan Alexander of Hyattsville, MD, Tracey R. Koszalka of Southampton, NY and Lindsay B. Goodwin and her husband Edward of Sturbridge; her two brothers, Robert Windheim of Concord and Charles Windheim of Concord; her four sisters, Margaret Blackburn of Scituate, Ann Barilone of Phoenix, AZ, Harriet McMullin of San Marcos, CA and Catherine Beckmann of Burbank, CA; her 13 grandchildren, William Heffernan, Katherine Heffernan, Owen Koszalka, Heath Alexander, Dylan Koszalka, Rita Goodwin, Patrick Heffernan, Amanda Koszalka, Edward Goodwin, Emilie Alexander, Charles Heffernan, Olivia Koszalka and Lora Goodwin; and several nieces and nephews.  She was predeceased by her granddaughter, Elizabeth Claire Heffernan.  Rita was born in Denver, CO, the daughter of the late Robert G. and Lillian R. (Stubbs) Windheim.  Rita grew up in Concord and loved her childhood there with her family.  She was a graduate of Lowell State College where she received her bachelors degree in education.

Rita was a 3 ^rd grade teacher in Acton for several years.  She later taught for many years as a permanent substitute teacher at the Burgess Elementary School in Sturbridge, retiring many years ago.  Rita enjoyed painting, scrapbooking, and history.  She was an avid New England Patriots fan.  She also enjoyed traveling with her husband.  Most of all she loved to spend time with her children and grandchildren.

Rita's funeral will be held on Wednesday, Sept. 22 ^nd , from the Daniel T. Morrill Funeral Home, 130 Hamilton St., Southbridge, with a Mass at 10:00am in St. Anne Church, 16 Church St., Sturbridge.  Burial will be in St. Anne's Cemetery, Sturbridge.  Calling hours in the funeral home will be held on Tuesday, Sept. 21 ^st , from 4:00 to 6:00pm.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.