Rita M. (Gillis) Baines

Rita Baines was no stranger to the dance floor and perhaps a space where she was often most happy. Rita loved dancing at various venues such as the Waltham Senior Center with Marge Gallagher and her daughter, Stacy, and the Waltham Twirlers. Any opportunity to dance kept Rita active and amongst friends and family.

Rita enjoyed and treasured her family home of 82 years on Trapelo Road in Waltham, MA. Decorating and hosting for Holidays was what Rita enjoyed most of all. Welcoming family and friends with her bright red lipstick and beautiful blue eyes, she was always dressed for the occasion.

Shopping, yard sales and her occasional trips to Foxwoods, were activities she loved to do.

After several years of health issues she peacefully passed on Saturday, October 16, 2021 in Clinton Hospital. She was 84.

Rita M. Gillis was born on April 22, 1937 in Waltham, the only child of the late William and Margaret (McPherson) Gillis, and granddaughter to her beloved Grandmother, Annie McPherson. A graduate of Saint Mary Catholic School, she remained a life-long resident of Waltham before moving to Clinton a short while ago to be closer to family.

She was married to the late Fred M. Baines until his passing on January 3, 2005.

Rita worked at Reservoir Nursing Center, in the cafeteria at ArkWright Insurance Company and as a private home health provider.

She leaves her children, Arlene M. Cormier (Gene) of Fitchburg, Susan M. Carroll of Marlborough, Patricia A. Malone (Joseph) of Clinton and Stephen F. Carroll; her grandchildren, Sabrina McGrory (Michael), Kayla Martin (Michael), Samantha MacPhee (Gavin), Brittany Cormier (T.J. Swanfeldt) and Joseph Carroll; her great-grandchildren, Bryce, Theo, Ella and Chase; her loving cousins; and dear friends.

Rita is now reunited in heaven with her loved ones and will be missed.

May God Bless You Always. Forever in our hearts, Your Loving Family.

Funeral services are private.