Rita English, 71

SOUTH YARMOUTH - Rita English, 71, of South Yarmouth, Massachusetts, passed away on July 26, 2015, peacefully in her sleep after a courageous 40 year battle against MS.

Rita was born in Hartford, Connecticut, on December 15, 1943. She graduated from Manchester High School in 1961.

Rita was married to the love of her life, Denis English on July 7, 1961, they were married 53 years.

Together they owned and operated a cottage colony in Dennisport, Massachusetts for several years. Rita then decided to follow her true passion and became a chocolatier and successfully owned and operated Goodies By Gonci for many years. She enjoyed cooking, cookbook writing, travelling and spending time with her friends and family. She will be remembered for her love of Elvis Presley, junk food parties, winter picnics and her zest for life. Rita was an inspiration to all and left a lasting impression on those who had the pleasure of knowing her.

Rita is survived by her husband Denis of 53 years, three children: Colleen E. DeGrilla and her husband Stephen, Kelly E. Walsh and her husband Edward and their 3 children Rosemarie, Molly and Aidan, Brian English and his wife Rose, her mother Rita G. Lister, her brother Albert Gonci and 2 sisters Margaret D'Onofrio and Lori Guardo, her nieces, nephews, beloved dog Kasey, and the rest of her family and friends.

Rita is preceded in death by her father, Anthony E. Gonci.

Friends and family are invited to call at the Hallett Funeral Home, 273 Station Ave., South Yarmouth, MA., on Wednesday, July 29, from 4:00 - 7:00 p.m. The funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m., on Thursday, July 30, 2015, in the Hallett Funeral Home. Burial will follow the funeral service at Oak Ridge Cemetery in South Dennis on Route 134.