WORCESTER - Mary A. (Leo) DiReda, 92, passed away peacefully on Saturday, May 20 in Knollwood Rehabilitation Center.
Mary was born in Mystic, Connecticut March 25, 1925 a daughter of the late Sebastiano and Isabella (DiPierro) Leo. For many years, she worked as a telephone operator at the former New England Telephone Company, now AT & T. She then worked as a clerk for State Mutual Life Assurance Company, now Hanover Insurance Company.
Mary was a talented baker and will be remembered for the delicious Italian cookies she made for family and friends during the holidays. She had a passion for gardening and took pride in her vegetable and flower gardens. Special moments were spent visiting family and friends in Mystic as well as their annual visits to the southern Maine coast. Proud of their Italian heritage Mary and her husband Tom enjoyed special trips to Italy where their parents were born. She played bocce with the Friday night group at Our Lady of Mount Carmel and enjoyed an occasional visit to the casino. Mary was a member of The Order Sons of Italy in America Worcester Lodge #168 for many years. She was a friend to all who knew her and will be sadly missed by all.
She leaves behind her beloved husband of 65 years, Thomas M. DiReda; a brother, Antonio Leo of Oakham; a sister, Columbia Leo of Mystic, CT; a sister-in-law, Linda (DiReda) Sacco and her husband Pasquale of Worcester; several nieces, nephews, and many extended family members. She is predeceased by her daughter, Diane M. DiReda who passed away in 1966.
Mary's husband and family would like to thank the staff of Knollwood Rehabilitation Center and the VNA Hospice Network for their attention and loving care during this difficult time.
Visiting hours will be held on Tuesday, May 23, from 4:00 pm until 7:00 pm at the CALLAHAN, FAY & CASWELL Funeral Home, 61 Myrtle Street, Worcester. The Order Sons of Italy in America, Worcester Lodge #168 will conduct their ritual at 6:00pm. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Wednesday, May 24 at 10:00 am at St. Anne’s Church, 130 Boston Turnpike, Shrewsbury. Burial will follow at St. John’s Cemetery in Worcester.