Rita A. Phifield

Rita A. (McCarthy) Phifield, 98, of Shrewsbury, passed away peacefully in her sleep on Saturday, November 16, 2024. She was predeceased by her loving husband of sixty years, Warren V. Phifield. Sadly, she was also predeceased by a daughter, Suzanne J. Ablondi, who died in 2019.

Rita is survived by two daughters, Sharon R. Cardoza of Ocala, FL and Traci M. Manzi and her husband Frank of Charlton; her son in law, David Ablondi Ocala, FL; a sister-in-law, Catherine Phifield of Newport, RI; six grandchildren, Andrew, Christian, Shannon, Robert, Jr., Gianna, and Francesco; six great grandchildren and a great-great grandchild; many nieces and nephews. She was the last surviving of five children. Rita was born in Worcester, daughter of the late, William H. and Katherine (McAuliffe) McCarthy, and graduated from Commerce High School.

Rita and Warren were long-time residents of Shrewsbury and were active in many town activities. Rita worked as an administrative assistant in the treasury department for the Town of Shrewsbury for many years, before retiring in 1991, having previously worked at the former Lundgren and Jonaitis Dairy. She was a member of Saint Anne’s Church, the Calvary Guild of Shrewsbury, the State, County, and Municipal Employees Association, the Shrewsbury Senior Center, a Town Meeting Member for Precinct 4, the American Association of Retired Persons Colonial Chapter and was the Remembrance Secretary for the Shrewsbury Businesswomen’s Club.

The family would like to thank Rita’s caregivers, especially Emelinda and Lynn, for their loving care and compassion. They were a constant source of help and companionship, allowing Rita to live her best life.

Calling Hours will be on Friday morning, November 22, from 8:30 am until 10 am in the MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation Street, Worcester, followed by a procession departing at 10:15 am enroute to a 10:30 am Funeral Mass at Saint Anne’s Church, 130 Boston Turnpike Road (route 9 east) Shrewsbury. Interment will follow at Mountain View Cemetery, Shrewsbury