Delena E. (Streeter) Fahey, 80, passed away Saturday, Feb. 28th after a long illness. She leaves 3 daughters, Judith Ritacco and her husband Kevin of Boylston with whom she made her home, Barbara Schmitz and her husband Leonard of MD and Karyna Swift of AZ, as well as two sons, Stephen and his wife Michela of FL and Daniel and his wife Kelly of Leicester. She leaves 8 grandchildren Christopher, Timothy and Pamela Ritacco, Carol and Paul Schmitz, Crystal Swift, and Ryan and Abbie Fahey. Delena also leaves one great granddaughter, Frankie Marie, and is survived by her sister Evelyn Sullivan and her husband Jim of Spencer. Her son Christopher Fahey, her sister Florence Hoey and her brother George Streeter all predeceased her.
Delena was born at home on Purchase Street in Milford on Halloween Night October 31, 1928. She was the daughter of V. Lewis Streeter and Delena (Vopicelli) Streeter. She graduated from Clark University in 1950 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and Education. Delena earned several varsity letters at both North High and in college. While at Clark, she was the Girls Basketball Team Captain all four years as well as helping to lead her team to the State Championship her Senior Year. She was also a member of the Newman Club, Inter-Faith Club and Glee Club. She was class Captain her Junior Year. She went on to earn her Master’s in Education at the former State Teachers College.
She taught in several Worcester Schools before giving up her teaching career to marry her former husband Francis C. Fahey who also predeceased her. In 1977 she again found herself teaching when she took a teacher position at the Department of Youth Services in Worcester. After a few years, she became the Director of Education while continuing to teach there until she retired.
Delena was a passionate sports fan, following the Red Sox, Celtics, Patriots and Bruins teams. She belonged to several bowling leagues over the years at Lincoln Lanes often earning trophies for her efforts. She loved crossword puzzles, crafts and a challenge!
Delena’s Family would like to thank the nurses and staff at the Blaire House of Worcester not only for their recent compassionate care of Delena but also for the unyielding support provided to her family. God Bless all of you.
Delena was a member of Our Lady of the Rosary as a child and later when she moved back to the area to raise her family. A Funeral Mass will be held on Thursday, March 5, 2009 at 11:00 AM in Our Lady of the Rosary Church, 25 Fales St. Worcester. Calling hours will be held Wednesday, March 4th, 2009 from 5:00 to 7:00 PM. at Nordgren Memorial Chapel, 300 Lincoln St. Worcester. Burial will be in St. John’s Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association MA Chaper, 311 Arsenal St. Watertown, MA 02472. For directions or to send an online condolence message please visit NordgrenMemorialChapel.com.