Ryda Simone

Ryda (Gaewsky) Simone, 89, a longtime Shrewsbury resident, passed away Sunday, December 29th 2013 at home with her beloved family gathered beside her. Ryda was born in Worcester, and was one of four daughters of Lithuanian immigrants Anthony and Anna (Wasilewsky) Gaewsky. She grew up in Worcester and graduated from Commerce High School. In 1946 she married the man that she would spend the next 50 years of her life with, Bernard "Blackie" Simone. They moved to Shrewsbury where Ryda has lived for the last 67 years. Ryda worked more than 20 years for the former Kings Department Store before she retired. Her husband Blackie passed away in 1996. Ryda is survived by her two children, George A. Simone with whom she lived and Margaret A. Quaglieri; a granddaughter, Tracey Hebert; three great grandchildren whom she adored and whom adored her; Amanda and Cory Garry, and Michael Fafard; many nieces, nephews and extended family. Her three sisters - Helen Vigneaux, Anne DeSair and Adele Kallis - all pre-deceased her. Ryda was a member of St Anne's Church and liked to bowl, read and solve puzzles. Her greatest love in life, were all the times she spent with her great grandchildren and son. The love they shared and times enjoyed were the inspiration in her life. She will be forever loved, cherished, and missed by many. Funeral services for Ryda will be held Saturday, January 4th at 11:30 am in the MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME AND CHAPEL, 370 Plantation St. Burial will follow next to her husband in Mt View Cemetery. A period of visitation will be held from 10:30 am to the time of the service in the funeral home.