Rita Claire Heafey Marsland , October 17, 1929 — October 19, 2018

Rita Claire (Heafey) Marsland, a longtime resident of Methuen, MA, passed away at home after a courageous battle with cancer surrounded by her family on October 19, 2018. Rita was the beloved wife of Charles (Chuck) Marsland to whom she was married to for 58 years prior to his passing in November, 2008. Rita and Chuck owned Muggsy and Chuck’s Service Station in Methuen for 50 years.

Together they travelled the country in their antique automobiles, many times as a participant in the Glidden Tours. She was born in Dearborn, MI, the daughter of the late John & Edna (Gagnon) Heafey and moved to North Andover, MA at a young age. Rita was a graduate of St. Mary’s High School in Lawrence, MA.

Prior to her retirement she was a Tax Examiner for the Internal Revenue Service in Andover, MA. Rita was an avid Bowler and Bingo player from the 1960’s to the spring of 2018. Rita is survived by her five children and their spouses: Robert Marsland and his wife Debra of Northfield, NH, Kevin Marsland and his wife Lee of Laconia, NH, Diane Alie and her husband Marshall of Methuen, MA, Scott Marsland of Methuen, MA, and Mark Marsland of Salem, NH.

She is also survived by ten grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren, sister, Edna Somma of Salisbury, MA, brothers, Joseph Heafey of Methuen and Richard Heafey of Salem, NH, and many nieces and nephews. Rita was predeceased by her sister, Margaret Heafey and brother, John Heafey. Family and friends are planning to honor and celebrate Rita’s life by gathering for visiting hours at the Dewhirst and Boles Funeral Home, 80 Broadway, Methuen, MA on Tuesday, October 23, 2018, from 10:00 to 12:00 noon.

A funeral service will immediately follow the visiting hours at 12:00 noon. Burial will be at Elmwood Cemetery in Methuen. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Merrimack Valley Hospice, 360 Merrimack St., Building 9, Lawrence, MA 01843.

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