Holliston-

Rita Anne (Moniz) Devarakonda, 70, a Holliston resident for 35 years, died at home on Friday, January 29, 2010 after a long illness. Rita is survived by her husband of 45 years, Vasant Devarakonda and their children, Tara Gibbs and her husband Mark of El Paso, TX. and Sheela Kerr and her husband Shawn of Millbury, MA. Born June 5, 1939, she was the daughter of the late Joseph and Mary Moniz of Dartmouth, MA.

Rita was a 1956 graduate of Sacred Hearts Academy in Fairhaven, MA. and a 1960 graduate of Emmanuel College. She worked as a chemist in several Boston area research companies before retiring in 2006 from the US Army Natick RD&E (Natick Labs) after 20 years of service. While there she specialized in developing soldier personal protection equipment and chemical protective gear. She was an enthusiastic baker and enjoyed spending time with her family and pets.

Visitation will be held on Monday, February 1, 2010 from 3-6p.m. at the Chesmore Funeral Home of Holliston, 854 Washington St. (Rt. 16) www.ChesmoreFuneralHome.com A funeral service will take place on Tuesday at 10:30a.m.at St. Mary’s Church of Holliston. Burial will follow in the parish cemetery. Donations in her memory may be made to CurePSP www.psp.org