Rita B. (Burke) Welles

Colonie - Rita Burke Welles, daughter of the late Mary F. Birmingham and Charles J. Burke died February 20, 2015 at her home in the presence of her loving family after a long Illness.

Born in Troy, she was predeceased by her husband, Edward M.Welles III in 1980.  Rita graduated from Russell Sage College with a Bachelors degree and later pursued graduate studies at SUNY Albany.  Prior to moving to the Newtonville area, she had resided in Brunswick Hills, Troy and was a member of the Country Club of Troy for over 50 years.

She was a certified Social Worker and was employed by the Rensselaer County Social Services Department for many years.  As a licensed realtor she worked for several realtor’s in the Loudonville area.

Rita was devoted to her family, loved animals, enjoyed cooking and the challenge of the New York Times crossword puzzle.

She is survived by her daughter, Anne Welles Haus of Newtonville; and her grandsons, Carter Welles Kuk and Harry Haus.  She was predeceased by two sisters, Lenore Coleman and Mary Jane Gunther and a brother, William M. Burke.  

Relatives and friends may call at the Bryce Funeral Home, Inc.  276 Pawling Avenue Troy on Wednesday, February 25, 2015 from 4-7PM. 

Funeral service will be held Thursday at 8:30 AM at the  funeral home and at 9:00 AM at St. Joan of Arc Church Menands where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated.

Interment will be in  St. Mary's Cemetery Troy.

In lieu of flowers contributions may be made in memory of Rita B. Welles to the Capital City Rescue Mission PO Box 1999, 259 South Pearl Street Albany, NY 12202 or Mohawk and Hudson River Humane Society 3 Oakland Avenue Menands, NY 12204. 

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