June 26, 1933 – June 29, 2025
Rita L. (Ceglia) Browne, 92, formerly of Salem, NH, and Reading, MA, passed away on Sunday evening, June 29, 2025. She was the wife of the late Richard P. “Dick” Browne, who passed away in 2003.
Born and raised in Medford, Massachusetts, she was the youngest of four children of the late Costantino, and the late Filomena Ceglia. Rita graduated first in her class from the Malden Hospital School of Nursing Class of 1973 at the age of 40 years old. She was the Operating Room Manager for over 20 years at Lahey Clinic in Burlington, Massachusetts.
Every Christmas Eve, Rita and her husband Dick held an open house for family and friends. Of course, the menu was traditional Italian cuisine. Rita was so proud everyone enjoyed her hospitality and cooking. It was the highlight of her year!
Rita and Dick were married for almost 50 years. They traveled extensively, including Ireland, Vancouver, Colorado, and Nova Scotia. But their favorite vacation spot was Disney World.
Rita leaves her three daughters, Joanne M. Browne of Newburyport, MA, Nancy A. Webb of Chester, NH, Stephanie A. Sullivan and her husband Christopher of North Andover, MA. Rita also leaves her three grandchildren, Ethan and Sydney Webb, and Caroline Sullivan; and one sister, Theresa Forcade of Golden, CO; and many nieces and nephews.
In addition to her husband and her parents, Rita was preceded in death by her sister, the late Rose Rotondi, and her brother, the late Carmen Ceglia. During her lifetime, she was surrounded by many cherished friends, both present and those who have passed. Rita’s presence was a gift, her loss is profound, and her memory will live on in all who knew and loved her.
A Memorial Mass will be celebrated at St. Patrick’s Church, 71 Central St., Stoneham on Tuesday, July 22, 2025 at 10:00 am. Burial will be private. Contributions in Rita’s memory may be made to Pleasant Valley Nursing Center, 8 Peabody Road, Derry, NH 03038 Attn: Activity Room. Arrangements by the Douglass, Edgerley & Bessom Funeral Home, Reading, MA.
