Rita M. (Harrington) Nielsen

Waltham - Rita M. (Harrington) Nielsen, formerly of Belmont and Watertown, died in the comfort of her home with family gathered on Sunday, June 21, 2026. She was 95.

In addition to her beloved husband of 61 years, Edward J. Nielsen, she was predeceased by her granddaughter, Christine M. Niizuma and sister, Ann G. Fawcett.

She leaves her children, Linda A. Nielsen (Dennis Hess) of Clinton, Kathleen Hersey (Richard) of Waltham, John E. Nielsen (Gail) of Plymouth, James J. Nielsen (Teresa) of Waltham and Mary T. Iodice (Richard) of Burlington; her grandchildren, John Hreah (Kristen Andersen), Kaitlin Hersey and Peter Hersey (Emily Bartos), Leandra Nielsen (Paul Mullin) and Ian Nielsen, Joseph and Matthew Nielsen, Renee Servaes (Calvin) and Sarah Iodice; nieces & nephews.

Family and friends will honor and remember Rita's life by gathering for an Evening Wake in The Joyce Funeral Home, 245 Main Street (Rte. 20), Waltham on Monday, June 29th from 4 to 7 p.m. and again at 9 a.m. on Tuesday morning before leaving in procession to Our Lady Comforter of the Afflicted Church, 880 Trapelo Road, Waltham where his Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Burial will follow in Belmont Cemetery, Belmont.

Expressions of sympathy may be made to Our Lady’s Parish, 920 R Trapelo Road, Waltham, MA 02452.

Complete obituary to follow.