Rita E. (Coady) Chase

Rita E. (Coady) Chase, 84 of Hudson, passed away peacefully on Saturday, January 20, 2018 at Beaumont Rehabilitation and Skilled Nursing Center in Northborough, after a period of declining health. She joins her husband of thirty-six years, Donald A. Chase, who predeceased her in 2013.

Rita was born in Maynard, Ma, one of 8 children, to the late James F. and Mary Ellen (O’Keefe) Coady. She was raised in Hudson, where she graduated from high school and was an officer in the New Hudson Show Stoppers drama club. She attended Berkley College of Music in Boston and was a talented singer and dancer. Rita had a flare for performing her entire life; she continued singing professionally as well as volunteering in various local drama organizations. Rita also served as the past president of the Fraternal Order of Eagles, as well as the Friends of the Hudson Seniors. Throughout her life Rita continued her education and she later studied cosmetology.

Amongst her many passions, Rita was a lifelong advocate and pioneer for the Rights of Battered Women, receiving commendations for her dedication to the cause. Rita and her husband Donald moved to Plymouth, New Hampshire from 1978 until 2001, where she worked as an administrator for Plymouth State College until she retired and shortly after returned to Hudson.

Rita is survived by her three daughters, Beverly A. Hanson and her husband Rene of Winchendon, Charlene M. Bates and her husband Gary of Hudson and Mary A. Baldelli and her partner Greg Smith of Hudson; three stepsons, John , Michael and Randall Chase; five siblings Charles Coady, Abbie Coady, William Coady, Janet Chase and James Coady; six grandchildren, Daniel, Jeremy, Amy Lynn, Christopher, Alex and Samantha; nine great-grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews. In addition to her husband Donald and her parents, she was also predeceased by her stepson, Richard Chase; her sisters, Mary Saaristo and Sue Fontaine; and her ex husband Edgar W. Buteau.

Relatives and friends are invited to a period of calling hours from 4-7 pm on Wednesday, January 24, 2018 at TIGHE HAMILTON REGIONAL FUNERAL HOME, 50 Central St., Hudson, MA. A funeral service will be held the next day in the funeral home on Thursday, January 25, 2018, at 10 am; followed by a procession to Forestvale Cemetery in Hudson for burial.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to: Alzheimer's Association, P.O. Box 96011, Washington, D.C. 20090-6011: www.alz.org.