Rita McNamara 1952-2024

Born Dec. 1, 1952, in Pittsburgh, Pa., Rita was the daughter of the late Norman and Margaret Usiak, and the wife of her adoring husband, the late Eugene “Mac” McNamara.

Rita was a believer. She believed that laughter was appropriate in all situations and that when you found yourself not knowing what to do next, to be generous. She also believed (perhaps most fervently of all) that Barbra Streisand was the greatest singer who ever lived and that there was no discernable limit to the number of times that “Frasier” or the 2005 “Earth, Wind and Fire Tribute on Ice” TV special could or should be viewed in a single lifetime.

From an early age, Rita displayed a fondness for learning, particularly in fashion, culture and the arts. She first applied these passions as a buyer for Strouss Department store, then carried them with her throughout her years spent in Youngstown City Schools, teaching French, English and reading to countless students.

She was a graduate of Cardinal Mooney High School, and later, Youngstown State University, where she obtained her master’s degree while working full-time and raising her children. She was a member of the Junior League of Youngstown and a parishioner at St. Michael Church in Canfield.

Rita is survived by her children, Maeghan McNamara and Connor (Eliza) McNamara; as well as her siblings, Susan (Fred) Harchelroad and Frank (Judy) Usiak; her stepchildren, Bonnie (Mark) Botti and Patrick McNamara; along with her eight nieces and nephews, honorary children and many cherished friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband; her parents; her stepson, Brian McNamara; and her brother, Norman (Sandy) Usiak, whom she missed daily.

She would have found this obituary, written by her children, moderately amusing. But she would have loved that they wrote it together.

Visitation will take place 5 to 7 p.m. Monday, June 3, 2024, at Lane Funeral Homes, Canfield Chapel, followed by services to honor Rita’s life at 10 a.m. Tuesday, June 4, 2024, at St. Dominic Church, Youngstown.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations in her name to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or the Edna House for Women in Cleveland.

Please join us as we celebrate Rita’s remarkable life and the legacy she leaves behind.

Transfiguration

Louisa May Alcott

Mysterious death! who in a single hour

Life’s gold can so refine,

And by thy art divine

Change mortal weakness to immortal power!

Bending beneath the weight of years,

Spent with the noble strife

Of a victorious life,

We watched her fading heavenward, through our tears.

But ere the sense of loss our hearts had wrung,

A miracle was wrought;

And swift as happy thought

She lived again,-brave, beautiful, and young.

Age, pain, and sorrow dropped the veils they wore

And showed the tender eyes

Of angels in disguise,

Whose discipline so patiently she bore.

Faith that withstood the shocks of toil and time;

Hope that defied despair;

Patience that conquered care;

And loyalty, whose courage was sublime;

Oh, noble woman! never more a queen

Than in the laying down

Of sceptre and of crown

To win a greater kingdom, yet unseen;

Teaching us how to seek the highest goal,

To earn the true success,-

To live, to love, to bless,-

And make death proud to take a royal soul.

(special notice)