Barbara Rizzo passed away on Wednesday, October 14, 2015 after spending nearly an entire year battling lymphoma. She was the much beloved sister of Dorry and Anthony Fanale, Beatrice and John Platt, and Michael Rizzo, and aunt of Barbara Platt Johnson and Michael Johnson, Cynthia Platt and Michael Miller, and John Platt. She also leaves behind her great-nieces, Caroline Johnson and Charlotte Platt-Miller, whom she adored, and who adored her in turn. She was at the center not only of her family, but also of a circle of wonderful friends.

A dedicated reading teacher in the Chelsea public schools for nearly forty years, she taught generations of children how to read. After her retirement, she devoted much of her time to crocheting, knitting, and hand stitching the many quilts that fill both her own home and the homes of all of her family. Her quilts can aptly be described as works of art.

She was always ready to share both a laugh and a wealth of advice on topics large and small. She was, without question, loved by everyone who knew her.

Family and friends are cordially invited to attend the visitation from the funeral home on Sunday, October 18, 2015 from 4:00 to 8:00 PM. The funeral will be conducted from the funeral home on Monday, October 19, 2015 at 9:00 AM followed by a funeral mass in St. John the Evangelist Church 320 Winthrop St., Winthrop at 10:00 AM. Interment to follow the mass in the Belle Isle section of Winthrop Cemetery.

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