Rita Ann (Melanson) Dowd, 95
Wonderful mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, Rita Ann (Melanson) Dowd will be dearly missed by her family. Born Sept. 26, 1914, in Worcester, Mass. Daughter of Edward J. Melanson and Anna (LaFleur) Melanson, she was preceded in death by her husband, Kenneth L. Dowd and her beloved friend and companion Angelo DiLullo of Naples, Fla.
Known as Bobby in her earlier years, Rita enjoyed life as an active sports person, gardener and people person. She excelled on her field hockey and basketball teams. As a member of The Theater Guild of Worcester, Mass., Rita starred in many productions including playing the leading role in "The Show Off." In later years she served leadership roles with the Girl Scouts of America. She also found enjoyment contributing to the Parent-Teachers' Organization and the Mothers' Club.
She graduated from Shrewsbury High School and resided in the town for 10 years before moving to Harwichport, Cape Cod, Mass., where she was a resident for 45 years. She was employed for 23 years for the Commonwealth of Mass. Civil Service. Following her career she moved to Naples in 1982 where she enjoyed some of the finest years of her retirement with Angie DiLullo. Later, she resided in Scottsdale, Ariz., and finally in Coeur d'Alene. She enjoyed her relationship not only with the residents of both Fairwinds and Beehive Homes but also with many dedicated staff members who lovingly cared for her. Additionally, she valued her involvement as a faithful member of Saint Pius X Catholic Church.
A very social person, she livened many adult communities, celebrating festive events by dressing for the occasion. Her hat rack stood ready to enjoy the next celebration. Adorned in hat and gloves, she'd encourage everyone to take pleasure in the fashion of Kentucky Derby Day. Cinco de Mayo brought out her sombrero. Halloween could find her dressed in '20s attire for the dancing the Charleston or as a Japanese geisha. Saint Patty's day never passed without finding her fully decorated in her green. She brightened everyone's spirits and demonstrated that life was for living.
Surviving her are her son, Kenneth Dowd and wife Sallie of Spring Island, S.C.; three grandchildren and six great-grandchildren; Judy Lunceford and husband Earl of Coeur d'Alene; five step-grandchildren, one grandchild, 10 step-great-grandchildren and one great-grandchild; and Stephen Dowd and wife Nancy of Essex Junction, Vermont, three grandchildren and one great-grandchild.
A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 7, 2010, at St. Pius X Catholic Church.
Following cremation, her remains will reside at the St. Pius X Columbarium as well as being taken to Cape Cod, Mass.
Please sign Rita's guest registry and view her online memorial at www.englishfuneralchapel.com.