Mary "Betty" DiReda

Mary “Betty” DiReda, 89, passed away peacefully on Monday, March 23, 2026 at the Jewish Healthcare Center in Worcester. She is survived and greatly missed by her three loving children- Grace Susan Foley and her husband Michael of Jefferson, Anthony S. DiReda and his wife Sandra of Shrewsbury, and Steven G. DiReda and his wife Susan of Shrewsbury; eight cherished grandchildren- Stephanie, Michael, Steven Jr., Samantha and Sarah Couture, and Sean, Brendan, and Mikaela Foley; six great-grandchildren; and a sister Sandra Goodrich. She was predeceased by her beloved husband of 61 years Antonio F. DiReda in 2017, as well has her siblings Robert Neddo, Beverly Waskelevich, and Virginia Berryman.

Betty was born in Worcester, daughter of the late George and Mildred (Shea) Neddo. She worked as a lab assistant at UMass Medical Center for twenty years, retiring in 1994. She was a member of the former Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, the UMass Retirement Association, and the Red Hat Society.

Betty embraced an active lifestyle, finding joy and strength in daily walks and regular exercise. She was a gifted cook, enjoyed music and singing, and had a fondness for arts and crafts. She loved to play cards with her friends and family. Betty was a woman who lived her life to the fullest. Her memory will be cherished by all who knew her, honoring a life well-lived with grace and spirit.

A period of calling hours will be held on Saturday, March 28, 2026 from 9:00am – 10:30am at Mercadante Funeral Home & Chapel, 370 Plantation Street, Worcester. A mass will follow at 11:00am at St. Anne’s Parish, 130 Boston Turnpike, Shrewsbury, MA. Burial will follow at Hope Cemetery, Worcester. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Eisenberg Assisted Living Residence, 631 Salisbury Street, Worcester, MA 01609.