Marblehead, MA – Rita E. O'Day, age 96, of Salem, MA, passed away at Devereux Nursing Home in the early morning hours of May 3, 2018.  The daughter of the late Telesphore and Bertha (Dupuis) Turcotte, and wife of the late Joseph M. O'Day Sr., Rita was born January 12, 1922 and raised in Salem where she attended St. James Grammar and High School.  She married her husband Joseph in April of 1949 at St. James church, and together they raised two children.

Rita enjoyed Bingo and was known for her unique sense of humor and great laugh. She had a strong, loving devotion for her family and friends and was a wonderful sister, mother, grandmother and great grandmother.

Rita is survived by her children: Maureen (O'Day) Hatch and Joseph M. O'Day Jr., as well as her grandchildren, Mark H. Hatch, Joseph J. O'Day, Maura O. Tomaz, and Patricia A. O'Day, and her great grandchild Zulia A. Tomaz.  She was predeceased by her loving husband Joseph M. O'Day Sr., as well as her siblings: Bertha Jalbert, John Turcotte, Henry Turcotte, Joseph Turcotte, and Robert Turcotte.

Visiting hours for Rita will be held on Tuesday, May 8, 2018 from 4 to 8PM at the Murphy Funeral Home, 85 Federal St. (Corner of North St.) Salem, MA.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, May 9, 2018 at 9AM at St. Thomas the Apostle Church, 1 Margin St. Peabody, MA.  Interment will follow at St. Mary's Cemetery, 226 North St. Salem, MA. Rita's family wish to extend their wholehearted gratitude to the phenomenal care and compassion of all the staff at Devereux House Nursing Home in Marblehead. For additional information or online guestbook please visit www.MurphyFuneralHome.com or call 978-744-0497.