Rita M. (Robinson) Brander passed away at the Carolina Rehabilitation Center in Fayetteville, NC on July 9, 2009. She was 86 years of age. Rita was born in Revere to the late Charles & Julia (Fitzpatrick) Robinson, raised in Melrose and graduated from Melrose High School. Mrs. Brander lived in Everett for a few years, several years in Saugus, Cranston, RI for 20 years and the past 5 years in Fayetteville, NC. Rita worked as a secretary for the Melrose High School principal and the Superintendent of Schools in Melrose for a few years. She put her career on hold to raise her family and then worked for many years as a secretary at Malden Catholic High School, retiring in 1986. She enjoyed spending time with her family and grandchildren, traveling across the country & back and was a former member of St. Margaret's Church in Saugus. Beloved wife of 58 years to Robert B. Brander. Loving mother of Mark E. Brander & his wife Lisa of NJ, Robert M. Brander & his wife Cathleen of Winchester, Peter T. Brander of Merrimac & Karen A. Kuespert & her husband John of NC and the late Michael Brander. Devoted grandmother of Courtney, Christopher, Julie, Karen, John & Anne. Funeral from the Gately Funeral Home 79 W. Foster St. Melrose, on Thursday, July 16th at 8AM. Funeral Mass in St. Mary's Church, Herbert St. Melrose at 9AM. Relatives & friends invited. Visiting hours Wed. 4-8PM. Interment in the VA National Cemetery in Bourne.