Obituary of Rita Ryan

Rita Ryan (Margaret Rita Ryan) 95 of Cheshire, formerly of Fair Haven, passed away peacefully on May 31, 2018 at home. She was born November 17, 1922 in New Haven to Michael and Bridget (Regan) Ryan. She is preceded in death by her parents, sisters, Catherine “Kay” Ahern, Mary Hanley and Frances Welch and a great niece Meaghan Welch. She was also predeceased by her cousins Francis and Marge Regan and their son, James Regan.  Aunt Rita was deeply loved and was “Fairy God Mother” to Edward Welch (Deborah), Neal Welch (Kathie), Sheila McInnis (Michael), Susan Antillion (Ruben), Carolyn Ahern (Chick lerardi), Edward Ahern, Steven Ahern, Joseph Ahern (Geri) and numerous great and great-great nieces/nephews.  

Rita worked for the New Haven Housing Authority and the State of Connecticut Superior Courts. She taught ballroom dancing for many years. Rita loved her cats, especially her faithful companion “Tag”. She also enjoyed traveling, seeking out Irish Pubs, finding a new nutcracker for her collection, fabulous chocolate, and where the local Mass was being celebrated. She loved her volunteer work, coffee, late nights, crossword puzzles, spending time with family and her many friends. Rita was a devoted Catholic who lived her faith. She was gracious, generous and gentle soul with a quiet strength and determined spirit. Above all, Rita was kind – always spoke straight from the heart. Her kindness was a rare gift, she touched so many and will be sorely missed. The family would like to thank Sue, Patty and Marsha for their love and kindness.

Family will receive friends from 5 to 7 PM on Monday, June 4, 2018 at the Clancy-Palumbo Funeral Home (Clancy Funeral Home), 43 Kirkham Ave., East Haven CT. Her funeral procession will leave the Clancy-Palumbo Funeral Home on Tuesday, June 5 at 10:45 a.m. for a Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. in St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church, Taylor Ave., East Haven with Committal to follow at St. Bridget Cemetery, Higgins Rd., Cheshire. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to, Edward Ahern Scholarship Fund, PO Box 3215, Branford CT 06405 in memory of Rita Ryan.