Rita (Kelly) Cady, 91, of Millis, died Sunday, August 18, 2013 at her home. She was the beloved wife of Robert Cady who died in 1983.
Born in Boston on February 26, 1922, she was a daughter of the late John and Mary E. (Raftery) Kelly. She was a resident of Millis for over 40 years and formerly resided in Norwood.
We have many roles in life; Rita V Cady was wife, mother, grandmother, aunt and friend. Each one of her grandchildren and great grandchildren has a different name for her. Depending on which branch of the Cady family we come from, we called her Nana, Nana John of Nana Ri. Each name meant as an honor for the love, guidance and generosity she showed.
In early summer of 1940, Rita posed for a picture with her infant daughter Rosemarie. When we look at that picture, we can’t help but wonder if she knows what a journey she will go on for the next seventy plus years. She will watch as her beloved husband Robert, and her cherished brothers go off to war, she will live through the news that her husband was shot and severely wounded. She will go on to raise six children, many grandchildren, even more great grandchildren and even three great grandchildren. She will travel the world. She will create a special place in her heart and soul for each member of her family.
Rita epitomizes the “greatest generation.” Even though money was tight, space was limited; she took in many foster children. When one of them “just stayed on” we all got our beloved uncle Peter Puck. She was always quoted as saying that “even though, there might not be a lot, there is always enough for one more.”
Like most people of her generation, Rita showed her family how to live a graceful and generous life through her actions more than her words. She shouldered every burden; bore every pain with dignity and grace.
Rita was very proud of her Irish roots and her Boston upbringing. She could always be found telling stories of the old days on Mission Hill or Carolina Ave.
Rita is survived by her son Robert Cady of Centre, AL, daughters, Carolann “Sandy” Pratt of Scottsdale, AZ and Jeanmarie Smith of Medway, and son John Cady of Norwood. She is also survived by her brothers, Eddie Kelly of Dedham and Fran Kelly of Bourne, her sisters Theresa McKinney of Millis and Margie Davis of Maryland, 16 grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren, and 3 great-great-grandchildren.
She was predeceased by her daughter Rosemarie Abel, her son Peter Byrda and her siblings Elizabeth Boute, Mary Mead and Joseph, John and Charles Kelly.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend her funeral from the Ginley Funeral Home, 892 Main St. in Walpole on Friday, August 23 at 9 a.m. followed by a funeral Mass at St. Catherine of Siena Church in Norwood at 10 a.m.
Burial will follow at Knollwood Memorial Park in Canton.
Calling hours will be held on Thursday from 4 – 8 p.m.