Enjoyed golfing and trips to Myrtle Beach and Florida
Published in the January 5, 2018 edition
MELROSE — Rita A. (Maher) Stanley, 86, of Melrose, died at the Sawtelle Family Hospice House in Reading on Jan. 1, 2018.
Rita was born and raised in Wakefield and was a graduate of Wakefield High School, Class of 1949. She resided in Wakefield until 1954 and for the past 63 years in Melrose.
Rita was a homemaker who loved quilting, sewing, cooking and baking. She enjoyed golfing and taking trips to Myrtle Beach, S.C., and Florida. Rita’s home and family were the most important part of her life. She was the beloved wife of the late John A. “Jack” Stanley for 64 years. Loving mother of Patricia Elsea and her husband James of North Billerica, Brian Stanley and his wife Yong of Las Vegas, Elaine Stanley, Diane Emery and her husband Chip, all of Melrose, Laura Paquette and her husband Scott of Billerica, Jane Stanley McGrath and her husband Chris of San Diego, Calif., and Andrew Stanley and his husband Richard Whale of London, England. Cherished grandmother Kyle, Matthew, Devon, Ryan, Madeleine, Anne and Shea. Great grandmother of Ella and Harriet. Caring sister of 13 siblings. Also survived by nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.
Visitation will be held at the Gately Funeral Home, 79 W. Foster St., Melrose on Friday, January 5, from 4-7 p.m. Relatives and friends respectfully invited to attend. Funeral services will be private. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Rita’s name to the Mass. General North Shore Cancer Center, Attn: Heidi Turner, 102 Endicott St., Danvers, MA 01923 or call 978-882-6060. For directions and to sign online condolence please visit www.gatelyfh.com.
