Rebecca "Rita" (Laverty) O'Brien passed away at Melrose-Wakefield Hospital on Friday, July 27, 2012. She was 79 years of age. Rebecca was born and raised in Gourock, Scotland and came to the United States in 1958. She settled in Melrose in 1959 and has been a 53 year resident of Melrose. Mrs. O'Brien worked as a housekeeper at the Steele House in Melrose for over 20 years and was a longtime member of Most Blessed Sacrament Church in Wakefield. She loved to read, do word search puzzles and have a good cup of tea. Rita was a devoted wife; mother, sister and aunt who always enjoyed her frequent trips back to visit her family in Scotland. Mrs. O'Brien was the beloved wife of Joseph B. O'Brien. Devoted mother of Christopher E. O'Brien of Melrose & Kevin M. O'Brien of Roxbury. Loving sister of Matthew Lafferty of Wakefield, Patricia Gallagher & Michael Laverty both of Greenock Scotland. Also survived by numerous nieces & nephews. Funeral from the Gately Funeral Home, 79 W. Foster St. Melrose, on Thursday, August 2nd at 9AM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Most Blessed Sacrament Church, 1155 Main St. Wakefield, at 10AM. Relatives & friends are respectfully invited to attend. Visiting hours Wednesday from 4:00-8:00PM. Interment at VA National Cemetery in Bourne.