Rita Jean McKenna

Rita Jean McKenna died on July 28, 2015 at the age of 90. She was beloved by her family and friends for her devotion, sense of humor, and steadfast support. Born on February 18, 1925 in West Richfield, Ohio, she was the daughter of Bartholomew and Catherine Lyons, and was the youngest of six children.

Rita grew up on her father’s farm. She excelled as a student and was the salutatorian of her high school class. After working for one year in a factory supporting the war effort, Rita graduated from The Ohio State University in 1948 with a degree in business. She was very active in campus life and a member of the Alpha Gamma Delta sorority. She was proud of the fact that all her siblings graduated from college, an unusual achievement for a family in that era.

She was married on May 12, 1950 to William McKenna from Akron, Ohio. The two of them met in Chicago, Illinois, where they both worked for Stouffer’s Corporation. During her married life, Rita lived in Chicago, Omaha, Louisville, Indianapolis, and Munster, Indiana, before moving in 1979 to Dunwoody, Georgia. She and Bill were founding members of All Saints Catholic Church in Dunwoody.

Rita enjoyed a simple life devoted to family and faith. She was a wonderful mother to her six children and a cherished grandmother to 11 grandchildren. She was active in the Ladies Altar and Rosary Societies. She loved classical music, dancing, eating anything sweet, and spending time at the family lake home on Lake Lanier in north Georgia. She will be especially remembered for her bright outlook and engaging sense of humor.

Rita is survived by her husband William McKenna of Peachtree Corners, Georgia; her children James McKenna and spouse Joanell of Kenilworth, Illinois; Jeffrey McKenna and spouse Christine of Duluth, Georgia; Susan McKenna and partner

Suzan Abramson of Winter Park, Florida; Karen McKenna and spouse Geoff Glauser of Doylestown, Pennsylvania; David McKenna and spouse Marjorie of Marietta, Georgia; and Thomas McKenna and spouse Jana Moore of Hilton Head, South Carolina; as well as 11 grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held at 10:30 am on Wednesday, July 29, at All Saints Catholic and Church in Dunwoody, Georgia. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to All Saints Catholic Church, 2443 Mount Vernon Road, Dunwoody, GA 30338 or to Georgia Community Support & Solutions, 1945 Cliff Valley Way, Suite 220, Atlanta, GA 30329.