Anita Casani Haffey

Anita Casani Haffey

October 19, 1933 - July 20, 2025

Anita Casani Haffey, a cherished mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and devoted community member, passed away peacefully on Sunday, July 20, 2025, at the age of 91. Fondly known as "Neats" or "Nona," she dedicated her life to Faith, Family and Friends.

Born in 1933 in Philadelphia, PA, to John Charles Casani and Julia Jean Bateman, Anita was their only daughter and second of five children. A trailblazer from an early age, she graduated from Mt. St. Joseph's Academy "The Mount" and Trinity College in Washington D.C. from which she earned a B.S. in mathematics. After graduating, Anita became the first woman to work as a computer programmer on the UNIVAC I at the Franklin Institute.

Anita was swept off her feet by a man from Boston, Paul Cram Haffey, while he was stationed in Philadelphia during the Korean War. Following their marriage in 1957, they made their home in Somerville, NJ, where they were blessed with six children.

In 1969, the Haffey family moved to Duxbury, MA, a small coastal town that became the heart of Anita's life. She walked countless miles along the beach, enjoying the beauty of the ocean and the smooth, white stones she affectionately called "Duxbury Diamonds."

Anita's smile, laugh, and enthusiasm for life made her shine. She believed in working hard, having humility, and playing fair – life lessons she will pass on for generations. A forgiving and kind mother and grandmother, she always knew how to lift someone's spirits. She exemplified generosity and compassion for others.

Anita's unwavering devotion to her faith led her to serve Holy Family Church as treasurer of the finance committee, CCD teacher, and eucharistic minister, bringing the sacrament to the elderly and ill for many years. Continuing her commitment to her faith and to Duxbury, she served on the Council of Churches.

Anita spent her life in the service of others and was a tireless advocate for her community. Her volunteerism spanned decades and included leadership roles with Girl Scouts, Pine Street Inn, Make-A-Wish Foundation, and Crossroads for Kids. She co-founded the Duxbury Beach Preservation Society after the No Name Storm of 1991 to rebuild the dunes. She also volunteered her time and talents to the Duxbury Historical Society, Friends of Gurnet and Bug Light, the Duxbury Council on Aging, and CURA Visiting Nurses Association.

In recognition of her extraordinary contributions, Anita was honored as Grand Marshal of the Duxbury Fourth of July Parade, a recipient of the Duxbury Community Volunteer Award, and presented with the Alden Society Speak for Thyself Award.

Sports are a significant part of her legacy. You could always find Anita cheering on her beloved Boston sports teams, but nothing brought her more happiness than watching her children and grandchildren from the sidelines. Following the loss of her husband Paul in 1984, Anita maintained his Boston Madison Square Garden Club membership, thus becoming their first female member.

Anita is lovingly remembered by her children: Julie (David), Claire (Mark), Bernie (Alex), Mary, Patty, and Susie (Geoff). She leaves behind sixteen of her seventeen grandchildren and fifteen great-grandchildren, all of whom brought her boundless joy.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Paul, and three of her four brothers. Anita's legacy-of faith, compassion, wisdom, and joyful selflessness-will continue to inspire all who had the privilege of knowing her.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to Crossroads For Kids (www.crossroadsma.org/donate), keeping her generous spirit alive.

Friends and family are invited to visiting hours on Monday, July 28th from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Shepherd Funeral Home in Kingston, MA. A funeral Mass will be celebrated at Holy Family Church in Duxbury on Tuesday, July 29th, at 10:00 a.m.