To the editor:

I would like to add to the article headlined "Woman stricken, dies after Y pool incident" that appeared in your paper on Wednesday, June 30.

The woman's name was Rita Lacey and her family said it was her request to have no stories or obituaries written about her. Out of respect for those wishes, I simply want to say Rita was my friend and a friend to many of the YMCA Early Bird swimmers over 25 years.

On June 29, I witnessed the passing of my dear friend, and though it was a great loss, I do not feel it was a tragedy. I feel this way because of the efficient and immediate action of the YMCA staff on hand as well as the fact that she was among friends who loved her and she was participating in an activity she loved.

I watched the morning lifeguard, Kate Jarvis, who has grown to know all of us by name, determine Rita was in distress in seconds. Immediately, she had Rita on the pool deck, alerted the facility to the emergency and initiated CPR.

Even at the early hour of 7:30 a.m., the leadership of the YMCA, including Executive Director Chris Lovasco and Operations Director Meegan O'neil, were in the facility and assisted in the situation with extreme compassion and professionalism. Emergency medical crews were there within minutes and there could not have been better attention or care provided.

At age 75, Rita Lacey experienced something with which we should be fortunate enough to be blessed- a perfect ending. She passed away without distress or pain. Her heart simply stopped while she was surrounded by friends in an environment that had given her pleasure for decades.

I would like to thank the staff at the YMCA not only for how professionally and heroic they acted that day, but for providing a special place for seniors like Rita and I- a place where we can stay active, be among peers and build friendships. It is important at our age to have a place that feels like a community and friends who feel like family.

Henry McQuire
Beverly

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