Rudell Canady

Mrs. Rudell Canady, affectionately known as “Nana,” age 77, of Waterbury, Connecticut, was called to her eternal rest on Wednesday, October 23, 2024. She was the beloved wife of the late Woody Canady. Born on October 20, 1947, in Chesterfield, South Carolina, she was the daughter of the late Arthur and Mattie (Cotton) Porter.

Rudell graduated from Long High School in Cheraw, South Carolina. After relocating to Waterbury, she embarked on a career at BAE Systems, where she retired as a supervisor after 40 years of dedicated service. A faithful servant of the Lord, she was a longtime member of Christ C.M.E. Church, where she served as an usher.

Rudell had a passion for life; she enjoyed bowling, cooking, and nurturing her garden, where her green thumb flourished. Her home was always filled with vibrant houseplants. She cherished spa days with her cousin Ann and delighted in watching her favorite soap operas and the Hallmark channel. A devoted sports fan, she passionately followed the Los Angeles Lakers and the UConn Huskies women’s basketball team. Above all, she treasured time spent with her family.

Known for her beauty, elegance and style, Rudell will be forever remembered for her beautiful smile and the warmth she brought to the lives of those around her.

She is survived by her son, Larry Porter and his wife Sandra of Waterbury, CT; her granddaughter, Chonte Andrews of Charlotte, NC; and two great-grandchildren, Bella Cherice Banks and Marquise Adei Batsuli, both of Charlotte, NC. Rudell is also survived by her sisters, Mary (Roosevelt) Sellers of Cheraw, SC, Shirley (Herman) Douglas of Hartsville, SC, and Rosemary Porter of Los Angeles, CA; her brother, Arthur Porter Jr. of Cheraw, SC; her uncle, Ernest (Bessie) Douglas of Society Hill, SC; her brother-in-law, Billy (Belva) Canady; her sister-in-law, Vera Mills; her godson, Patrick Mills; a niece; several nephews; a close friend, Bertha (Glen) Davis of Sunbury, NC; and her lifelong friend and cousins, Louise Ann Lopez and Bessie (Rodney) Eason, along with many other relatives and friends.

Rudell was lovingly known as “Nana” to Chonte, Erica, Kiarah, Lamar, Aubra Jean, Edward Sr., JaTarra, Edward Jr., and Darlene. She was predeceased by her beloved husband, Woody Canady, and her brother-in-law, Thomas Mills.

Her gentle spirit and love will remain in the hearts of all who knew her.

A celebration of Rudell’s life will be held on Friday November 1, 2024 at Christ CME Church 32 Maple Street, Waterbury, CT at 11am. Viewing in Church from 10-11am. Burial at New Pine Grove Cemetery. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Colonial Funerals, 270 West Main St., Waterbury, CT and James R Sanders, Funeral Director. Condolences may be expressed at Colonialfunerals.com.