Mary “Rita” (DesRoches) Girard, a lifelong resident of Dedham passed peacefully in her sleep on May 9th 2021. Born to the late Jerome DesRoches and Mary V. (Morrell) DesRoches on February 2nd 1923. She married the love of her life, the late John L Girard Jr, July 4th, 1949 and had 5 sons, Thomas A. Girard, David C. Girard, and Mark D. Girard as well as the late Paul L. Girard and Michael J. Girard. Sister of the late Augustus J. DesRoches, she is also survived by her 9 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren, with another on the way, as well as countless nephews, great nephews, great nieces and family friends.
Rita was born and raised in East Dedham and attended the Avery School before graduating from Dedham High School in 1940. She spent several years working as a secretary in the John Hancock Building, but post-marriage dedicated herself to being a homemaker in the Riverdale area where she spent the rest of her days.
While her children were young she served as a Cub Scout Den Mother and was a part of the Boston Council for the Boy Scouts. She used her love of music to serve as the staff organist for St. Mary’s church and then St. Susanna’s where she was also a founding member and a past president of the Women’s Club.
Throughout her life she was known as a caring and passionately prayerful woman who loved to give back. She was rarely seen with quiet hands and loved to spend her time cooking, gardening, playing the organ, and most of all crafting. She often sewed and crocheted items to donate to local charities or for her grandkids, served as a driver for the FISH program, coordinated her high school reunions, played the organ for weddings and funerals, and was a dedicated pen pal for Riverdale School students.
Even in her 90s Rita had a sharp brain and body that she kept going with word games, chair yoga, daily prayer, and Beano. Her family and friends will miss her loving words, sweet hugs, and gentle presence.
Visiting hours at the George F. Doherty & Sons Wilson-Cannon Funeral Home, 456 High St., Dedham, Thursday, May 13 from 4-8pm. Funeral service in the funeral home on Friday, May 14 at 10am. Relatives and friends kindly invited. Interment in Knollwood Memorial Park, Canton. In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to a charity of your choice.