WORCESTER-Rita M. (Byrne) Leary, 81, of 18 Abington St. died Friday, October 12 at home after an illness.
Her husband, Thomas C. Leary died in 1986. She leaves 3 sons, Thomas M. Leary of Moscow, Russia, Commander Mark M. Leary of Jacksonville, FL., Kevin J. Leary of Worcester; 2 daughters, Mary C. Mannila of Manchester, CT and Marilyn Leary of Worcester with whom she lived; a brother, James Byrne of Worcester; a sister, Elizabeth F. Mahoney of Worcester; 10 grandchildren and many nephews and nieces. A brother, John Byrne and two sisters, Marie Dio and Irene Berthiaume predeceased her.
She was born in Worcester daughter of John and Mary A. (McTigue) Byrne and lived here all her life. She graduated from Ascension High School.
Mrs. Leary worked as a clerk for Ames for 25 years before retiring. Prior to that she worked as a bookkeeper for Reed & Prentice Co.
She was a longtime member of Our Lady of the Angels Church and was a member of its Bible Study Group.
The funeral will be held Tuesday, October 16 from O’Connor Brothers Funeral Home, 592 Park Ave. with a mass at 10:00 AM in Our Lady of the Angels Church, 1222 Main St. Burial will be in St. John’s Cemetery. Calling hours will be Monday, October 15 from 5 to 8 PM in the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Our Lady of the Angels Restoration Fund, 1222 Main St., Worcester, MA 01603