Lillian Rinta, 97

WAREHAM - Lillian Rinta passed away peacefully in her sleep at the age of 97, at the Life Care Center in Plymouth after a long and otherwise healthy life. She would like her family and friends to know, that she leaves us to join her beloved husband and son with no regrets. She was able to live independently in the home that she loved until the end of 2020 at the wise old age of 95 and is grateful for a love-filled life.

She was born on July 23, 1925, to Helga (Matson) Heleen & Walter Heleen on the farm in South Middleborough. Lillian was number six of seven children, nick-named “Honey” by her older brothers and sister who spoiled her. She grew up in a Finnish household and lived her early life in a tight knit community of Finnish families where English was a second language until school age. Her childhood girlfriends remained her dearest friends throughout their lives.

In 1949 She married Edwin Rinta, a Finnish boy she met at Bible Camp, who returned a decorated Navy Man and swept her off her feet. They settled in Rochester. Ed worked for Maxim Motors in Middleborough and Lillian worked at Toby Hospital and later for Middleborough Trust Company while they raised their son Paul. Following Lillian’s family tradition, they also farmed a little cranberry bog in Wareham. Family, home and cranberries were important to her, all of her life and the topic of conversation in two languages most of her life.

She is predeceased by both her husband, Edwin Rinta in 1985 and her son, Paul Rinta in 2018. She is survived by grandsons, Paul Rinta Jr and Andrew Rinta, and three great grandsons, Jack Rinta, Matthew Rinta and Hayden Rinta, and a great granddaughter Skyler Rinta. She also leaves behind several Heleen nephews and nieces and a few good ole gal-friends that have gone the distance with her.

A graveside service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, September 13, 2022, at Center Cemetery, Tihonet Road, Wareham. Arrangements are by Chapman Funerals & Cremations – WAREHAM, 2599 Cranberry Hwy., Wareham.