Rita (Lopriore) Yockel, 85, of Worcester passed away peacefully Tuesday, November 21st with her loved ones gathered at her bedside.

Rita, the matriarch of her family was born in Worcester, a daughter of Pietro and Giovanna (Tantimonaco) Lopriore. Raised here, she graduated from Commerce High School, met and in 1956, married Howard “Howie” Yockel.  Together with love, devotion and family they settled on Grafton Hill and raised their family until 2008 when Howie passed away.  Rita continued to live in the family home to this day.

She is survived by the family she cherished; her three children, Howard A. Yockel of Worcester, Paul A. Yockel and his wife Paula of Leicester and Beth Ann Alexander of Worcester; two sisters, Rae DeMarco and Laura Colombo; four grandchildren, Lauren, Marc, Kelsey, and Victoria; her best friend from childhood, and god mother to all her children, Esther Dembowski; Many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.  Besides Howie, a brother, Michael Lopriore, and three sisters, Mary Naugler, Antoinette Naugler and Rose Milluzzo all pre deceased her.

Rita as a young women worked in the Office of Morgan Construction Company, before leaving to raise her family.  She then returned to the work force as an Office assistant for the City of Worcester, School Department working many years before retiring.

She was a member of Our Lady of Loreto Church, the Our Lady of Mt Carmel Golden Years and Our Lady of Sorrows Societies.  Rita and her husband enjoyed the beaches of Maine, traveling the country from Coast to Coast attending Howie’s Navy shipmate reunions of the USS Irwin where she made many long lasting friends.   A kind and gentle giving woman, she was the matriarch of her family and truly believed that faith, family and friends were the most important parts of her life and had room in her heart for everyone she met. Rita regularly prayed the rosary, attended mass, enjoyed crossword puzzles, family dinners and holidays.  Her unwavering faith kept her family grounded through life’s challenges.   Rita’s passing leaves a hole in our hearts but her loving and caring soul will never be forgotten.

Friends and relatives are invited to attend calling hours Sunday, November 26th from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm in the MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation St.   Her funeral will be held Monday, November 27th from the funeral home departing in procession to Our Lady of Loreto Church, 33 Massasoit Rd where her funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:00 am.  Burial will follow in Worcester County Memorial Park in Paxton.  In lieu of flowers memorial contributions in her name can be made to the Jimmy Fund, P.O. Box 849168, Boston, MA 02284.