Anita Casani Haffey

Anita Casani Haffey obituary, Duxbury, MA

Anita Casani Haffey

Anita Haffey Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Jul. 21, 2025.
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.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Sign Anita Haffey's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

Yesterday

Terence Dunn posted to the memorial.

Yesterday

Terence and Maureen Dunn planted trees.

Yesterday

Kathleen Kennedy posted to the memorial.

Terence Dunn

Yesterday

Julie, Claire, Mary, Patty, Bernie, and Susie-so sorry for your loss. Needless to say, your mom was the epitome of love for her family, friends, those in need, and many other things. I loved visiting your family in Duxbury and New Jersey. So many great memories. Best to you all. Terry

Group of 10 Memorial Trees

Terence and Maureen Dunn

Planted Trees

Kathleen Kennedy

Yesterday

Thinking of you all. Your mother was an amazing person and dear friend to so many especially my mom. My summers were filled with so many wonderful memories at the beach with your mom and family, and also so many fun times at your house. My mom was blessed to have your mom as such a good friend. May the memories, her smile and laughter hold close to your heart during this difficult time. Your mom was loved by so many. She will be greatly missed.

Kathleen Kennedy

J. Michael Kennedy

July 26, 2025

Julie, Claire and family,

My deepest condolences on behalf of my Mother and the Kennedys. Your Mother and mine (Peg) had a special bond. Those summer family gatherings on Duxbury beach were itched in Duxbury history. Your father and I had some great conversations on the beach.

Best Regards,

Michael Kennedy

Karen and Vinny Chiricosta

July 22, 2025

Julie, David and Family, So sorry for the loss of your beautiful mom. May you cherish the beautiful memories you shared with her. Hugs

Ken and Jill Zimmer

July 22, 2025

A wonderful woman and a great neighbor. She will be deeply missed!

Eileen Hogan

July 22, 2025

Anita was a very special and inspiring human being! She will be missed! Prayers for Anita and her loving family!

Lacey Chylack

July 22, 2025

To all the Haffeys, I am so sorry to hear of your mother's passing. I have such fond memories of her - her contagious laugh, her compassion for lobster bound for the pot, and the welcome she always offered me whenever Patty and I rode, in tandem, across the grass and into your summer kitchen. She made a special impression on me...

Judy Mitchell Banks

July 22, 2025

Julie and the Haffey Family, I am very sorry to hear about your Mom´s passing. May you always remember your happy memories with your Mom.
My sincere condolences.

Scott Carlson

July 21, 2025

I am so sorry for the family's loss. I have fond memories of Mrs. Haffey (Anita). She always treated me with loving respect as a child, which I appreciate to this day. Wishing you all the best during this time of transition.

Lisa Ziganti

July 21, 2025

I am so sorry to hear of Anita´s passing. I was lucky enough to meet her in Sonoma when she visited Susie and her family. I have fond memories of hanging out of our park, drinking wine, watching our kids play and hearing Anita´s stories. Susie shared stories of her mom´s athleticism and it obviously translated to her! Sending lots of love to the Haffey family.

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Shepherd Funeral & Cremation Service

216 Main St P O Box 325, Kingston, MA 02364

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Sign Anita Haffey's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

Yesterday

Terence Dunn posted to the memorial.

Yesterday

Terence and Maureen Dunn planted trees.

Yesterday

Kathleen Kennedy posted to the memorial.