Rita M. Reedy

CHELMSFORD -- Rita M. (Knoop) Reedy, a resident of Chelmsford who worked for a local visiting nurses agency, died yesterday, March 13, at the home of her daughter, surrounded by her family. She was the wife of Victor Reedy, who died Dec. 25, 1992.

She was born in Lowell, daughter of the late John and Katherine (Lausen) Knoop. She was educated in the Lowell school system. She then studied baking at Stonehill College in Eastham. She later took courses in early childhood education at Middlesex Community College.

Over the years, Mrs. Reedy was employed at Lowell General Hospital as a nurse's aide. She was a cook for the Lowell Technical Institute, the Lowell Day Nursery, and Parker Middle School. She was also the cafeteria manager at the Byam School.

Before retiring in 1992, Mrs. Reedy was a home health aide with the Lowell Visiting Nurses. It was at this job that she formed many close lasting friendships.

In 1993, Mrs. Reedy received a plaque from Middlesex Community College awarded to people who are recognized for "Making a Difference."

She was a communicant of St. Patrick Church, St. Mary Church and St. Peter Church.

She was a member of the Chelmsford Senior Citizens Club, volunteered at the YMCA in the baby-sitting room and helped for years with the Share Program.

When the children were small, the family spent many summers camping at York Beach. She enjoyed gardening, sewing, reading and swimming at the Y. She loved spending time with her family and was a regular sight at the kid's ball games. One of her greatest joys was the time she spent caring for her great-grandsons after they were born.

She is survived by two daughters, Martha and Linda Reedy, both of North Chelmsford; two sons, Walter and Maureen Reedy of Naples Fla., and Donald Reedy of North Chelmsford.

She was the proud grandmother of Keith Reedy and his wife, Monica of Billerica, Jeffrey Reedy and his wife, Lee Ann of North Chelmsford, Kristin, Mark, Brandon and Tatyana Reedy and Steven Chouinard, all of North Chelmsford, and Matthew and Morgan Cote of Manchester, N.H.

She was the loving great-grandmother of Jacob and Jeremy Reedy of North Chelmsford, and James and Joseph Reedy of Billerica; and several nieces and nephews, including William Knoop of Pelham, and Ralph, Carole, James and Paula Reedy of North Chelmsford.

She also leaves many close friends including Kitty Duffy, Marjorie Shedd and Terry Dubois.

She was also the sister of John Knoop, who died in 1987.