Rita Passalaqua McDevitt

Rita P. McDevitt, a homemaker and department sales manager in Handbags and Jewelry for Jelleff's, a department store for women that was located at 7 Corners in Falls Church, Virginia, died July 4 at home. She was 90.

Originally born and raised in Connellsville, Pennsylvania, in the early 1940s, she relocated to Washington, D.C. to work for the Library of Congress. During those years, she met Edward B. McDevitt who was from Reading, Pennsylvania, and employed by the Federal Bureau of Investigation in Washington, DC. In 1947, they were married at St. Peter's Catholic Church in the District. Enjoying over 50 years of marriage, Mr. McDevitt preceded her in death in the year 2000.

In the 1960s and 1970s, Mrs. McDevitt was one of the friendly persons everyone met as they entered Jelleff's. She managed the handbags and jewelry department and enjoyed the retail business as well as the customers.

During her lifetime, she was an original and active member of St. Philip’s Catholic Church in Falls Church, Virginia. She headed many volunteer positions to help support and fundraise for the parish. Her interests included her talent to beautifully crochet afghans, making rosaries for the missions, along with cooking, baking, crossword puzzles and being well informed in current events. She also had the opportunity to enjoy travel with her family and being a grandmother to 5 grandsons. In her later years, she enjoyed the closeness of her daughters and having them and many others care for her at home.

Mrs. McDevitt lived in Falls Church, Virginia from the mid 1950s until her death. Survivors include her three daughters, Marianne Eiden (John), Betty Jo McDevitt (Michael Bluestone), Kathy DesCombes (Gary); five grandsons, JJ Eiden (Amy), Michael Eiden (Leah), Joe Eiden (Monika), Matt Eiden (Rachelle), Paul Eiden; five great-grandchildren, and many extended family and loved ones.