Obiutuary: Leada Georgina Rinaldi, 84, of Oakville

Obituary courtesy of Hickcox Funeral Home

OAKVILLE- Leada Georgina Rinaldi, 84, of Oakville, passed away peacefully on July 31, 2021, surrounded by her loving family.
Leada was born on January 1, 1937, to George and Mary Melnikoff. She was raised by her stepfather, Joseph Szmajlo, after her father died young. She was one of the first graduates of Cheshire High School.
In 1956, Leada married the love of her life, Francis "Chuck" Rinaldi, Jr. They were married over 60 years when he passed in 2017.
Leada is survived by her three children, Francis A. Rinaldi, III, Chryll (Charlie) Beliveau, and Mary (David) Fischer; five grandchildren, Charles (Ariann) Beliveau, Thomas (Amy) Beliveau, Angelica, Sarah, and Erich Fischer; a great grandson, Charles Peter Beliveau; her brother-in-law, John (Linda) Rinaldi; and many wonderful nieces, nephews, and extended family.
In addition to her parents and husband, Leada was predeceased by her brothers, Benjamin and Henry Szmajlo and William Melnikoff, and her sister, Christina Melnikoff;
In addition to being a dedicated and loving mother, Leada loved her animals, bird watching, and working in her garden. She was active in her community and served on many volunteer committees including as president of St. Mary Magdalen's Catholic Women's Assoc. Throughout her life, she held an unwavering faith in God and gladly added people to her prayers. Her warmth and kindness will be missed by all who knew her.
We love you more, Mom.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Saturday, August 21, 2021, 9 a.m., at St. Mary Magdalen Church, 16 Buckingham Street. Friends and family are asked to meet directly at the church. Burial of ashes will follow in Mount Olivet Cemetery, Platt Rd., Watertown. The Hickcox Funeral Home, 195 Main St., Watertown, has been entrusted with the arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to your local animal shelter in Leada's name.