Rita M. Grassey Sanborn, 86, a longtime Natick resident died May 16, 2012, after a brief illness and a full life.
She was born in Natick, the daughter of the late William T. and Rose Maloon. She was twice-widowed, pre-deceased by Alfred B. Grassey Sr. in 1976 and M. Jonathan Sanborn in 1994. She was also pre-deceased by her siblings, Brothers Arthur Maloon, William Maloon and her sister, Mary Terhune. She leaves behind her brother Robert Maloon (Patricia), five children, Alfred B. Grassey, Jr. (Durinda), Joan Grassey-Spinazola, Richard Grassey (Patricia), Barbara Grassey, and Brian Grassey (Christine) as well as two stepsons, Gary Sanborn and Grant Sanborn. She was blessed with four grandchildren, 6 step-grandchildren and numerous step-great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
Rita began her career at the Natick School Department at the age of 15. After graduating from Natick High School, she attended secretarial college and went to work full-time, working her way up to assistant to the Superintendent. She left the school department to work as an Administrator for the Natick Board of Selectmen. She finished out her career as Executive Assistant of Leonard Morse Hospital.
Always involved in town activities, Rita was a Former Chairman of the Natick Industrial Committee, was active in the Women’s Club, past president of the Natick Teachers Federal Credit Union and a member of the Natick Democratic Town Committee. She also served on the Board of Trustees of Cushing Hospital and several ad hoc committees for the Natick Public Schools.
She retired to Maine where she ran an antique shop with her second husband. The two later retired to the Florida Gulf Coast.
She will be missed by family, friends and all that met her.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend her funeral service on Monday May 21, at 11:30 A.M. in the Chapel of the John Everett and Sons Funeral Home 4 Park Street, at Natick Common.
Visitation will begin at 10:30 A.M. prior to the service.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial gifts in Rita’s memory be sent to a Hospice of your choice.