Anita R. Durkin
of Tewksbury, formerly of Lowell
TEWKSBURY: Anita R. (daSilva) Durkin, of Tewksbury, Massachusetts, passed away unexpectedly at home on September 27, 2014.
She was born on August 30, 1940 in Lowell, Massachusetts. She was the daughter of Mary (Barros) daSilva and Manuel daSilva, who predeceased her.
She attended Lowell High School and became a lieutenant in the Girl Officer Corps. After graduating in 1958, she became a certified medical technologist. She was employed by Saint John’s Hospital, Chelmsford Medical Laboratory, and Lowell General Hospital. She went on to work for Diagnostic Laboratory Medicine in Bedford for many years until she made the difficult decision to retire in 2008 due to her challenges with heart disease. She was known as a highly-skilled, compassionate phlebotomist whose services were often personally requested by many patients over the years.
Anita was an active member of the Merrimack Valley Chapter of the Massachusetts Mothers of Twins Club for many years through which she formed many cherished, lifelong friendships. Her greatest joy in life was giving to others. She was known to share her incredible desserts with all who knew and loved her. She loved taking rides to the beach, taking trips to Foxwoods, and spending hours browsing at Marshalls and Kohl’s for the perfect gifts for those she loved.
She is survived by her son, R. Patrick Durkin, Jr. (and his wife, Jeanne) of Lowell; her three daughters, Dianne Weiss (and her husband, Paul) of Boylston; Dorna Walsh (and her husband, Daniel) of Tewksbury; Julianne Cassidy (and her husband, Thomas) of Tewksbury; eleven grandchildren, Alex, Adam, and Anna Durkin; Shelagh Gallagher (and her husband, Shane); Michael and Nicholas Walsh; MaryCate and Brenna Cassidy; Alexis, Paul, and Patrick Weiss; and one great-grandson, Jackson Durkin. She is also survived by her former husband, Roger P. Durkin, Sr., of Boston, to whom she was married for over thirty years; her beloved aunt, Delia Aguiar, of Lowell, Massachusetts; and many dear, lifelong friends. She was predeceased by her sister, Ann Shirley, and her brother, Anthony daSilva.
Her family would like to thank Dr. James Waters, Dr. Jessica Wieselquist, and their dedicated staffs for the wonderful care they gave to Anita throughout the years.
Calling hours are Thursday, Oct. 2, from 9 a.m. -12 p.m., at the Farmer & Dee Funeral Home, 16 Lee St., Tewksbury. Followed by her Funeral Mass at 12:30 p.m. at St. William's Church, 1351 Main St., Rte. 38, Tewksbury. Interment at St. Mary Cemetery, Tewksbury.