South Attleboro, Massachusetts
1979 - 2009
Meredith Victoria Rao, 29
Kind Heart and Gentle Soul
Meredith Victoria Rao, 29, of Mendon Road, South Attleboro, died unexpectedly in Attleboro on Thursday, March 5, 2009.
Born in Providence, Rhode Island on Christmas Eve – December 24, 1979, she was the beloved daughter of Robert J. Rao and Nancy A. (Cacicio) Rao Birch, R.N. and her husband, Dr. James H. Birch, Jr., M.D., all of Attleboro.
A lifelong resident of the City of Attleboro, Ms. Rao was a 1998 graduate of Attleboro High School. She later attended Bristol Community College and was hoping to complete her studies next year.
Ms. Rao was formerly employed by the former Pleasant Manor Nursing Home, now Golden Living Center – Garden Place, in Attleboro as a dietary aide. In more recent years she worked with developmentally delayed children with multiple handicaps.
Her kind heart, gentle soul and sense of humor made her a “natural” to care for others.
Her presence will be missed by all who loved her.
She was a communicant of St. Theresa of the Child Jesus Church in South Attleboro.
In addition to her devoted parents and stepfather, she leaves to mourn her cherished 8-year old daughter, Jocelyn Taylor and her father, John J. Taylor; her very special brother: Bradford M. Rao of Patagonia, Arizona and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.
She was the paternal granddaughter of the late Armando and Katherine (Puliafico) Rao and was the maternal granddaughter of the late George T. and Dorothy P. (Riley) Cashman.
Relatives and friends are cordially invited to attend visitation on Tuesday, March 10, 2009 from 6:00 – 8:00 PM in the “Memorial Chapel” of the Dyer-Lake Funeral Home – the national historic Colonel Obed Robinson Home, 161 Commonwealth Avenue (exit 5 off I-95 N or S, go right at top of exit, proceed ¾ mile, on the left), Village of Attleboro Falls, North Attleboro.
Relatives and friends are cordially invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial on Wednesday, March 11, 2009 at 11:00 AM at St. Theresa of the Child Jesus Roman Catholic Church, 18 Baltic Street, South Attleboro with the Rev. James Fahey, Pastor, officiating. There will be no funeral cortege from the funeral home prior to the commencement of the funeral Mass.
At the family’s request, they ask that their wish for a private committal service be honored due to family illness. Private burial at Mount St. Mary’s Cemetery, Pawtucket will be held for the immediate family only following the funeral Mass.
Flowers are omitted. In lieu of flowers and in honor of Ms. Rao’s work and passion, memorial donations may be made to the Kennedy-Donovan Center, One Commercial Street, Foxboro, MA 02035.
To send the family an expression of sympathy, please visit an online guest book at www.dyer-lakefuneralhome.com.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Dyer-Lake Funeral Home, 161 Commonwealth Avenue, Village of Attleboro Falls, North Attleboro.
(508) 695-0200.
Happy Birthday, Meri,
May Your Family find some comfort in the fact that you are spending your birthday and Christmas with Jesus this year
Love Wendy
Wendy Witherell
December 24, 2009 | Attleboro, MA
Dear Nancy,
My childhood best friend. I don't know how or why I came across this obituary
while searching for a client of mine named Michael Rao. When Meredith's picture came up and I saw her beautiful smile I knew she could only be your daughter. Nancy, I am so sorry for the loss of your beautiful child.I cannot imagine such pain. I was also saddened to learn of your Mom's passing through the website.I certainly have fond memories of our youth and remember many special dinners at...
nancy Lane
October 29, 2009 | Swampscott, MA
To The Rao Family,
I am so glad that you allowed me to keep this guest book open until 4/2010. Since her her passing was so sudden and unexpected it seemed to make sense to provide an opportunity to everyon to share their memories and feelingss
I can still visualize Meri sitting in my living room with Jocelyn. Sometimes I expect that she'll be there again. But I know this will only be in my dreams, fantasies and memories.
I have so many regrets that we did not spend...
Bridget Doherty
April 19, 2009 | Saugus, MA
Meri, just the other day I drove by a spot we use to hang out when we were young, it made me smile and also miss you! you were there for me through so much,I know you are with your nana now and that would make you happy! jocelyn will always know through your family and friends what a special and caring person you were! I love you and you'll always be in my heart.
meghan Hayes
April 15, 2009 | Plainville, MA
Bridget,
We want to thank you so much for your thoughtfulness by extending the time that Meredith's Guest Book will remain active. We miss Meredith so much and cannot express in words the depth of our love for her. We are comforted knowing that Meredith and her warm smile touched so many lives in the ways that are described here by those who knew and loved her. We are also comforted knowing that Meredith has been called to join God in Heaven where her warm smile will continue for...
April 05, 2009
Meri, I was terribly saddened when I heard the news of your passing; however, my heart was quickly warmed with all of the wonderful memories we've shared. I will cherish all of those wonderful moments on the soccer field and I will always remember your sparkling laugh - Most importantly I thank you for always bringing a smile to my dad's face (Coach T loved you!).
Kelly Tranter
March 28, 2009 | Attleboro - Greensboro, NC
Bob and Family,
I am so sorry to hear about the passing of your beloved daughter, Meredith. May God give you strength at this very difficult time.
With sympathy,
Shirley Medici, Pleasant View School
Shirley Medici
March 26, 2009 | No. Providence, RI
So many memoriess with meri, Jocelyn, me , and nana dottie(Gaga).
We always went to the beach. I always used to be with meri. For example sleep over her house every weekend.
Auntie Nancy,Uncle Bob,Uncle Jim, and Uncle brad.
yur prayers are in my thoughtss. Anytime you need my family just call.
I love you so mucch jocelyn.
Miss yu meri xo0x.
Brittany Gear
March 22, 2009 | Lynn, MA
To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.
Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome...
Wendy Witherell
March 20, 2009 | Attleboro, MA
