Rita M. Creagh

Rita M. Creagh, 86, of Tarzana, CA passed away peacefully January 16, 2021 of COVID-19. She is survived by her beloved sisters: Ina C. Boyd Mashpee, MA (f/Fox Hill Village Westwood, MA), Ann C. Brennan Washington, DC (f/Southbury, CT) & Mary Rondeau-Kiley (Jerry Kiley) Onset, MA (f/Holliston, MA), and by the nieces and nephews she loved so much: F. Keats Boyd, III (Wendy), J. Christopher Boyd (Kristen), Michael Brown (Laurie), Debbie Egan, Richard Brown (Patty), Marty Brennan (Jada Breegle), Sheila Brennan (Ian Bird), Andy Rondeau (Tiffany), David Rondeau, Robert Kiley (Michelle), Stephen Kiley (Rebecca), Todd Kiley (Sarah) and 29 grand nieces and nephews. Rita is also survived by the love of her life, Jack Farrell of Tarzana, CA.

She was predeceased by her loving parents James C. and Marguerite (Tighe) Creagh, her beloved sister Terry C. Brown (Sherm), brother-in-law F. Keats Boyd, Jr. and nieces Bonnie J. Skane (Edward) and Annmarie O’Shea Rondeau.

She is also survived by her close friends from the Academy of the Assumption, College of New Rochelle, El Rodeo Elementary School Beverly Hills, and St. Mel’s Parish Woodland Hills, CA.

Rita received her BA from the College of New Rochelle and went on to earn a Master’s degree from Boston University. She taught elementary school in Waltham, MA for 7 years before moving to Los Angeles in 1962. For 32 years, she taught at El Rodeo School in Beverly Hills where she was named Teacher of the Year.

Rita loved to travel the world with friends and family, whether visiting her cousins in Scotland, experiencing the Galapagos or sampling other far-flung locales. She could always be counted on to be with family for special events, and she excelled at being a gracious host excited to share the wonders of California with all who would visit.

She organized an annual Creagh Sisters Getaway on the East Coast and she hosted family members from the US and the UK at her home on the West Coast, including all her nieces, nephews, and their children, for California adventures.

Rita was a foodie who loved trying new restaurants, especially when she traveled. She was always in search of good food and good wine. She kept restaurant reviews and notes that she shared freely when anyone was taking a trip, and she wanted a full report so she could update her files. It was quite a treat for her when a famous chef stopped at her table to greet her.

Throughout her life, she was an avid sports fan who enjoyed attending games and cheering for her favorite professional teams, the Patriots and Red Sox, Dodgers, and Lakers.

All who knew her bathed in the glow of her generosity and kindness which were hallmarks of Rita’s life that stemmed from her strong Catholic faith. She was a supportive and faithful friend, daughter, sister, aunt, great aunt and cousin.

Rita’s family is grateful to the caregivers and staff of Atria Tarzana for their care and compassion.

Donations in Rita’s memory can be made to:

St. Mel’s Conference St. Vincent De Paul Society

c/o St. Mel’s Parish

20870 Ventura Blvd

Woodland Hills, CA 91346

Due to Covid-19 memorial services will be held at a later date. Gates, Kingsley & Gates Praiswater Mortuary Canoga Park, CA is in charge of arrangements.

One may request notification of services as they are updated at: https://www.dignitymemorial.com/funeral-homes/canoga-park-ca/gates-kingsley-gates-praiswater-mortuary/2240