Marita A Derby peacefully passed from this earth on January 27, 2024.

Marita was born on July 30, 1939, to the late Reginald W. and Anna M. (Harrington) Derby in Springfield, MA.

Marita graduated from Sacred Heart High School and Mercy Hospital School of Nursing in Springfield, MA.

She also received her BA in Sociology from St. Joseph's College in Raymond Maine. In 1989, she received her Master of Education Degree in Administration Management from the Cambridge College Graduate Program in Northampton, MA.

Marita retired from Mercy Hospital after forty-three years of service as a Utilization Review Coordinator. She then worked at the Holyoke Medical Center part time for five years.

Marita was an avid reader and enjoyed her yearly trips. In the late spring, she would travel to Rockport, MA. In October, she looked forward to traveling to Ogunquit, Freeport Maine, and North Conway, New Hampshire.

Marita is survived by her brother, Robert W. Derby and his wife Ann of West Springfield, and their children, niece, Lynn Larsen and her husband Troy of Malden, MA and nephew, Michael W. Derby of Chicopee.  Marita is also survived by her sister Regina (Derby) Bruso and her children, nephew, Jay Bruso and his wife Jessica of Templeton, MA and their children Rachel, Tricia, and Robin Bruso. Her niece, Patricia Bruso of West Springfield, MA, and nephew, Robert Bruso and his wife Brandy and their children, Ethan and Alisyn of Ware.

Marita's greatest joy was her family especially her nephews, nieces, and great nephew and nieces.

Marita was predeceased by her brother-in-law, Albert Bruso in 2017.

Marita had received wonderful care from many caregivers over the past few years. The family would like to extend a special thank you to the compassionate and caring nursing staff and care givers at The East Longmeadow Skilled Nursing Care Center where she was for two years. We would also like to thank Stella and Pam from The Beacon Hospice Care for their time and consistent devotion in helping Marita be comfortable during her end-of-life care.

Marita's family would like to extend special thanks to Maureen Costello and Peggy Sullivan for their consistent friendship and deep compassion shown to Marita throughout her life and especially during this difficult time.

Calling hours are Thursday from 9-10:30am at Curran Jones Funeral Home, 109 Main Street followed by a Funeral Mass at 11 at St. Thomas  Church. The burial will follow in St. Michael's Cemetery in Springfield. For online condolences, please visit www.curranjones.com

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to The Parish Cupboard on 738 Main St. in West Springfield, MA 01089 or to The Beacon Hospice Care on 815 Worcester St. Springfield, MA 01151.