Most people slow down when they near retirement age. But Rita Heatherington just kept going.

In 2001, when she was 78 years old, the Mon Valley native cut her first CD, "A Song for My Son." The title track ended up winning first place in the Florida branch of the National League of American Pen Women for music and lyrics. Since then, the tune -- which reflects a mother's thoughts on the day of her son's wedding -- has gone on to become a top reception song pick for that all-important mother-son dance.

Some lyricists would be perfectly content to allow a random singer to bring their words to life. Yet Mrs. Heatherington was particular when it came to her music. That meant she played piano on the song while her niece Alice Heatherington, a New York-based soprano, provided the vocals.

"Music spoke to her soul," said her daughter, Patricia Robertson of Hampton. "It was a tremendous gift for her in later life, at an age when many people have no interests filling their lives."

Mrs. Heatherington, who would win two more awards from NLAPW for her scores and lyrics, died May 9 in her home in Orange Park, Fla., from complications of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. She was 84.

A native of Glassport, Mrs. Heatherington earned a bachelor's degree in music from Duquesne University and upon graduation became music director of the Glassport School District. She also taught in the Green Valley School in North Versailles. In 1950, she recorded a song she wrote, "How Do You Do," in McKeesport. Music, though, would take a back seat to raising a family when her husband, Robert, died in 1962, and she had to become both mother and father to four young children.

"She was devoted to raising us," said her daughter. "To do the best thing by her family was her guiding light."

Tiring of the classroom, Mrs. Heatherington eventually returned to Duquesne University to earn a master's degree in counseling. A few years later, she ended up at Community College of Allegheny County's Boyce campus, first as a counselor and later as assistant dean of students, from 1972 to 1980.

In 1980, Mrs. Heatherington moved to Jacksonville, Fla., where she became coordinator of the widowed persons program at Florida Community College. She also served as church organist for St. Joseph Catholic Church in Mandarin, Fla., and volunteered at local nursing homes. It was her music, though, into which she funneled much of her boundless energy.

A member of the North Florida Christian Music Writers Association, she composed countless Christian worship songs that have been played in churches throughout Jacksonville.

In addition to her daughter, Mrs. Heatherington is survived by three sons, Robert Heatherington of Jacksonville, Thomas Heatherington of Kalispell, Mont., and Mark Heatherington of Orange Park, Fla.; 14 grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

Friends will be received at Hunter Funeral Home in McKeesport from 7 to 9 tonight. A Mass will be celebrated tomorrow at 10 a.m. at St. Mary Czestochowa Church, 2515 Versailles Ave., McKeesport.

The family suggests donations to the Rita Morrow Heatherington Memorial Fund, 405 Administration Building, Duquesne University, Pittsburgh 15282.