Rita T. (Sposato) Herbert, 94, of Worcester, formerly of Holden, passed away on Thursday, April 13, 2017, at the Jewish Healthcare Center, with her loving family by her side. She was predeceased by her husband, Albert W. Herbert, in 1978.

Rita is survived by two daughters, Judith M. Daoust and her husband George of Milford, and Deborah A. Maynard and her husband Martin of Northborough; two sons, William M. Herbert and his wife Christine of Auburn, and Thomas H. Herbert of Holden; eight grandchildren: Brenda Wong, Donna Daoust-Goldberg, Alyssa Maynard, Daniel Maynard, Kristen O’Neil, Jeffrey Herbert, Jessica Herbert, and Tommy Herbert; nine great grandchildren; Logan Wong, Jake Goldberg, Alex Goldberg, Katie O’Neil, Shannon O’Neil, Charlie O’Neil, Kerrin O’Neil, Max Herbert, and Lilly Herbert; and a sister in law, Grace Sposato of Worcester; many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by two brothers and two sisters, Francis D. and Angelo D. Sposato, and Helen Gemme and Rose Kay. Rita was born in Worcester, daughter of the late, Gaetano and Angelina (Bonofiglio) Sposato and has lived in the area, all her life.

Rita loved her family and found great joy in her grandchildren and great grandchildren, they were the lights of her life. She loved to bake Italian cookies, and cook great meals for family and friends. She loved to dance and listen to music, especially when her son, Tom, would play his saxophone for her. She played BINGO and was a member of the Frohsinn Club in Shrewsbury. She loved the beach and visiting her son Bill’s house on Cape Cod. For the last four years, she spent a lot of time with her friends, who were her extended family at the Jewish Healthcare Center. She always was the life of the party with her outgoing personality. Rita will be remembered for her friendly smile, her love, and her laughter.

Relatives and friends are invited to gather for Calling Hours on Wednesday, April 19, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation Street, Worcester. Her Funeral Service will be at 10 a.m. on Thursday in the Funeral Home. Following the Funeral Service, a procession will depart for Worcester County Memorial Park, where she will be interred beside Albert.

The family wishes to extend their heartfelt thanks to all the staff at the Jewish Healthcare Center along with the Hospice Division, for their care, support, kindness and love during her stay there. Special thanks to her friends who spent many hours socializing on the 3rd floor lobby.

Flowers may be sent or donations may be made in her memory to the Jewish Healthcare Center, or the Jewish Healthcare Hospice Division, 629 Salisbury Street, Worcester, Ma 01609.