Obituary of Rita T. Wayne

Rita (Dailey) Wayne, 89, died peacefully on Monday, February 24, 2020 with her family at her side, just one week shy of her 90th birthday. A native and longtime resident of Elmira, NY, for the last 5+ years she was a resident of Mercy Center, in Rochester, NY. Rita was born March 3, 1930, the daughter of Catherine R. (Thomas) and Thomas P. Dailey, both of whom predeceased her. She was a 1948 graduate of Elmira Catholic High School and a 1951 graduate of St. Joseph's (Elmira) School of Nursing. On April 19, 1952 Rita married William A. Wayne, originally from Hornell, NY, and they were married for nearly 62 years, until his sudden death in January 2014. Rita is survived by her eight children: Mark (Mary Beth) of Horseheads, Thomas (Bonnie) of Clifton Park, William (Joan) of Rochester, Sr. Kathleen, RSM, of Rochester, Michael (Missy) of Elmira, Mary Rita (Scott) of Ontario, Ellen (John) of Lyons, and Eileen of Schenectady. Also surviving are 28 grandchildren and 30 great grandchildren. She was predeceased by her two brothers: Bernard & Paul Dailey, and is survived by their wives: Barbara of Horseheads and Patricia of Hornell. In addition, she is survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins, her Catholic High and nursing school classmates, and a whole host of neighbors and friends who provided her with great love, support and enduring memories. Rita was a wonderful wife, mother, sister, aunt, grandmother and great grandmother. Her 40+ year career as a Registered Nurse was dominated by decades working on the maternity unit of St. Joseph's Hospital, where she helped deliver and care for thousands of babies – with many of her former patients (and their children) becoming lifelong friends. A devout Catholic, Rita was raised in St. Patrick's parish in Elmira and was a long-time communicant of Our Lady of Lourdes Church, until she relocated to Rochester. She attended Mass daily and her prayer list was long, including the intentions of her large family, many friends and all those in need. She was active in the Our Lady of Lourdes Mother's Club, Altar & Rosary Society, Social Ministry Committee and Nocturnal Adoration Society. She was a member/volunteer of St. Joseph's Hospital and the St. Joseph's School of Nursing Alumni Association, the American Red Cross, the Ladies of Charity, the Ladies Division of the Ancient Order of Hibernians, and Catholic Charities of Chemung County. For many years Rita & Bill were award winning Rose growers and members of the Southern Tier & New York State Rose Societies. Together they were active volunteers and supporters of Notre Dame High School for more than six decades. Calling hours for Rita will be held at McInerny Funeral Home, (502 W. Water St.) Elmira, NY, on Friday, February 28th, from 4:00pm – 7:00pm. A prayer service will be held at the funeral home on Saturday, February 29th, at 10:15 am, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial @ 11:00am at Our Lady of Lourdes Church, 1100 W. Church St., Elmira, NY. Interment, with committal prayers, will then take place at St. Peter and Paul's Cemetery in Elmira. Rita's family expresses their appreciation to her family and friends who kept in contact with her after her relocation to Rochester, and extends their deepest gratitude and thanks to the Sisters of Mercy and the entire staff of ElderOne for their friendship, compassion, care and support during the past 5+ years. In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations in Rita's name to: the Sisters of Mercy Development Office, 1437 Blossom Rd., Rochester, NY 14610 or to a charity of one's choice. The family will also celebrate Rita's life at a Memorial Mass to be held in Rochester, NY on March 14, 2020. This Mass will be held at 11:00am in the Main Chapel of the Sisters of Mercy Motherhouse (1437 Blossom Rd., Rochester).