Rita Connors Gerred, 86, of Solomons, Maryland, passed away peacefully on August 6, 2025, in Solomons. Born on July 28, 1939, in Boston, Massachusetts, she was the daughter of the late Gertrude Catherine and William Michael Connors.
Rita graduated from Billerica Memorial High School in 1957 and later achieved her Bachelor’s degree from the University of Maryland, graduating Summa Cum Laude with the Class of 1986. She married the love of her life, Frank John Gerred, on January 29, 1978, in Lexington Park, Maryland, and they shared over 42 years together before his passing on May 5, 2020.
Over the years, Rita’s career path reflected her versatility and skill. She managed the Plaza Theater in Lexington Park, worked at the St. Mary’s County Courthouse—where she mastered shorthand—and later used that talent at home to craft Christmas lists her children couldn’t decode. She spent more than two decades as a dedicated Logistician with ALM, Information Spectrum, and Anteon, earning the respect of colleagues and clients alike.
In 2008, Rita moved to Calvert County, where she embraced her love of the water. A passionate sailor, she was a proud member of both the Solomons Island Yacht Club and the Southern Maryland Sailing Association.
Rita will be remembered for her sharp wit, love of adventure, and deep devotion to her family. She is survived by her children, James Butler (Tambria) of Herndon, VA; Christine Butler of Lexington Park, MD; Stacey Gerred (Bruce Hudson) of Summerville, SC; Doug Gerred of St. Albans, VT; Don Gerred (Lori) of Cincinnati, OH; and Julie Marble (Nicolas Roussel) of Rockville, MD; her sister, Elizabeth Ann Cafarelli of Massachusetts; her brother-in-law, Bill Peterson of Houston, TX; 15 grandchildren; and 1 great-grandchild. She was preceded in death by her parents, her beloved husband Frank, and her sister, Maureen Peterson.
A Celebration of Life gathering will be held on Sunday, September 21, 2025 at the Solomons Yacht Club, 14604 H.G. Trueman Road, Solomons, MD 20688, from 2:00 pm until 6:00 pm with a time for remarks at 3:00 pm. Dress is Casual, Sailing and Boating Attire. Neckties will be clipped and offered to Zephyrus. Donations in lieu of flowers are recommended to American Lung Association, Dementia Society of America, or the COPD Foundation.
Geri (Collins) Penney
August 13 – Obituary: Rita Connors Gerred
Rita was a classmate at BMHS. With only 142 in our class, we kept in touch with reunions every 5 years. Rita and Frank attended many of them and we were so pleased to see them. As Billerica is a land-locked community, it surprised us that she took to sailing and so enjoyed their times on the water, especially during the winter months. I will pass along to our classmates her passing. With deepest sympathy, Geri Penney
Nikki Goodman
August 12 – Obituary: Rita Connors Gerred
Please accept my condolences for Rita and Frank. We enjoyed sailing and rafting up with them and socializing with them in both SMSA and SIYC.
Curt and Judy Larsen
August 11 – Obituary: Rita Connors Gerred
So many memories with Rita and Frank. We joined them many years ago on our first SMSA cruise to Chrisfield and enjoyed many other adventures on the Chesapeake Bay and down the waterway where we spent a chilly winter together in Ft. Meyers. We enjoyed their company at Solomon’s Island Yacht Club and dinners at our homes and local restaurants celebrating birthdays and holidays. They were very special friends and an important part of our lives.
Curt and Judy Larsen
Linda Barrett
August 11 – Obituary: Rita Connors Gerred
Condolences to Rita’s family. She was such a pleasure to visit with. RIP Rita.
Linda and Skip Barrett
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