Rita A. (Maher) Stanley, of Melrose, died at the Sawtelle Family Hospice House in Reading on Jan. 1, 2018 at the age of 86. Rita was born & raised in Wakefield and a graduate of Wakefield High School, Class of 1949. She resided in Wakefield until 1954 and the past 63 years in Melrose. Rita was a homemaker who loved quilting, sewing, cooking and baking. She enjoyed golfing and taking trips to Myrtle Beach, SC and Florida. Rita's home & family were the most important part of her life. She was the beloved wife of the late John A. "Jack" Stanley for 64 years. Loving mother of Patricia Elsea & her husband James of N. Billerica, Brian Stanley & his wife Yong of Las Vegas, Elaine Stanley, Diane Emery & her husband Chip, all of Melrose, Laura Paquette & her husband Scott of Billerica, Jane Stanley McGrath & her husband Chris of San Diego, CA and Andrew Stanley & his husband Richard Whale of London, England. Cherished grandmother Kyle, Matthew, Devon, Ryan, Madeleine, Anne and Shea. Great grandmother of Ella & Harriet. Caring sister of 13 siblings. Also survived by nieces, nephews, relatives & friends. Visitation will be held at the Gately Funeral Home, 79 W. Foster St., Melrose on Friday, Jan. 5th from 4-7PM. Relatives & friends respectfully invited to attend. Funeral Services will be private. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Rita's name to the Mass. General North Shore Cancer Center, 102 Endicott St., Danvers, MA 01923 or 978-882-6060, Attn: Heidi Turner..