Rita C. (Doherty) Brown, 88, of Lynn, passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, February 8, 2026.

Born on August 31, 1937, in Somerville, Rita was one of six children of the late William and Helen (Collins) Doherty. Rita graduated from Somerville High School and then worked briefly at a dry cleaner before working at the Registry of Deeds at the Cambridge Courthouse. There she met W. David Brown, whom she married, and together they raised two sons in Lynn. After her husband was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis, she dedicated herself to her family, raising her sons and nursing her husband who died in 2008.

After a few years as a stay-at-home mom, Rita returned to the workforce first as a bank teller at Winter Hill Federal Savings Bank in Saugus and later as an assistant branch manager in Lynn. With her bright smile and quiet charm, she thrived into her 70s, appreciating every client interaction until her retirement from Salem Five in Marblehead.

When Rita was young, she often visited her brother in California. She enjoyed traveling whether it was a trip across the country or a short impromptu ride to the beach on the back of a motorcycle. She loved spending time with her siblings and their families whether vacationing on the Cape, attending family cookouts and gatherings, or celebrating holidays together.

In her later years, she embraced traveling with her partner, the late William “Bill” Donovan, with whom she regularly visited Saratoga, NY and wintered in Naples, FL. There she made dear friends and relished every social opportunity.

Rita always loved dogs. She appreciated their company throughout her life, and they were her faithful companions in her final years as she struggled with Alzheimers. Rita will be missed and lovingly remembered by all who were blessed to know her.

Rita was the beloved wife of the late W. David Brown. Devoted mother of David C. Brown of Lynn and Daniel J. (Dr. Octavia Devon) Brown of East Longmeadow. Cherished grandmother of Michael D. and Jillian H. Brown and their mother Dina Brown. Loving sister of Margaret (Joseph) Russell of Malden, the late Joseph (surviving Barbara) Doherty, the late William (late Agnes and surviving Mary) Doherty, Jr., the late John Doherty, and the late Marie Doherty. She is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews.

Relatives and friends are invited to gather in honor of Rita’s life during Visiting Hours at the Robinson Funeral Home, 809 Main St., Melrose on Thursday, Feb. 12 from 4-7pm, and again on Friday, Feb. 13 at 9:45am before leaving in procession to Our Lady of the Assumption Church, 758 Salem St., Lynnfield for her Funeral Mass celebrated at 11am. Interment in Puritan Lawn Memorial Park, 185 Lake St., Peabody. Gifts in her memory may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, 320 Nevada St., #201, Newton, MA 02460.