Frances Rita (Sampson) Crowley of Melrose, passed away at the Bear Hill Nursing Home on Thurs., April 27, 2006, at the age of 88. Born in Everett to the late Joseph & Alvina (Marchand) Sampson, Rita was raised in Everett & graduated from Everett High School, class of 1935. She moved to Melrose in 1952 & married the late Thomas W. Crowley, with whom they shared 49 years of marriage. Rita worked for the prematurity admitting office in the Melrose-Wakefield Hospital for 7 years after raising her 4 children. She was active in St. Marys School & the PTA. Mrs. Crowley was an avid Red Sox fan and enjoyed traveling to Ft. Myers, FL for spring training. She also had an interest in Special Olympics of MA. Wife of the late Thomas W. Crowley. Loving mother of Thomas J. of Lawrence, Janet F. Curry, husband of John of Burlington, Susan R. Rubin, & Joseph R. Crowley, both of Melrose. Cherished grandmother of Alan Rubin, John Curry III & Scott Curry. Great grandmother of Carson John Curry. Caring sister of Edwin Sampson of Woburn, Wilfred Sampson & his wife Frances of Braintree, & Vincent Sampson of CA. Sister of the late Arthur Sampson. Also survived by several nieces & nephews. Funeral from the Gately Funeral Home 79 W. Foster St., Melrose, on Mon. May 1st at 9AM. Funeral Mass in the Church of the Incarnation 425 Upham St., Melrose at 10AM. Visiting hours Sun. 2-6PM. Burial in Wyoming Cemetery, Melrose. Contributions in Ritas memory made be made to Special Olympics of MA. Lynnfield Woods Conf. Pk 210 Bdway, Su. 107 Lynnfield, MA 01940.