Rita J. Bryant

Rita J. Bryant (Cross) of Weymouth, age 78, passed away peacefully April 5, 2023 after a brief illness. 

Born in Weymouth, she was the daughter of the late William and Florence Cross. A lifelong resident of Weymouth, Rita graduated from Weymouth High School in 1962. From a very young age Rita and her father shared a passion for horses. She became an extremely accomplished horsewoman and was often seen riding her first horse, Coco, through Weymouth Landing. 

In the 1990’s she met Angela Balmes and her many friends at Balmy Acres. Angela and Jim Balmes, and their children Wyatt and Hadley, became an extended family for Rita. Balmy Acres was where Rita bonded with, and later started showing, Angela’s horse Chico. Rita and her beloved horse, Zee Zee Zip “Zip”, spent many years at Balmy Acres and together won several show championships. Rita eventually passed the reins to her grandson who also started showing Zip. 

For many years Rita and her sister Rosemary worked together running the office at Alco Oil Company in Cohasset. Her bookkeeping skills were unparalleled, managing several financial accounts and the businesses of her sons. She was dedicated to her family and friends and was always willing to help any way she could. Rita’s infectious laugh will be remembered by all who knew her. 

Rita was the longtime companion of William Cicchese of Weymouth. She is survived by her sons Russell W. Bryant Jr. and Meghan Cronin, and Robert M. and Sasha Bryant, and their father Russell “Shorty” Bryant, all of Weymouth. Cherished “Mimi” to Joseph, John, and James. 

Loving sister to Jeanne Corcoran and her late husband Robert of Norwood, John Cross and his wife Margaret of Weymouth, the late William Cross and his late wife Patricia, the late Rosemary Laugelle and her surviving husband Joseph, the late Edwin Cross and his surviving wife Patricia. Rita will also be missed by many nieces, nephews, extended family members and friends.

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to greet the family during the visiting hours on Wednesday 4-8 PM in the McDonald Keohane Funeral Home SOUTH WEYMOUTH at 809 Main Street (Rte 18 opp. So. Shore Hospital).  Funeral Mass will be celebrated in Sacred Heart Church, Weymouth on Thursday at 10:30 AM. Burial to follow in St. Francis Xavier Cemetery, Weymouth.

In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Rita may be made to Alzheimers Assn., MA Chapter, 309 Waverley Oaks Rd., Waltham, MA 02452.