Rita was born in Ridgway, Pennsylvania on May 2, 1929 to Kathryn and Martin Connelly, who emigrated from Ireland.
Rita graduated from Saint Leo’s Catholic High School. She then attended Villa Maria College in Erie, Pennsylvania and was awarded a Bachelor of Science in Home Economics, with Honors. Following graduation, she accepted an internship at Massachusetts General Hospital in the Food Service and Dietetics Department. Thereafter, she earned a Master of Science in Labor Relations from Cornell University.
Rita remained at Cornell University as an Instructor of Labor Relations and then accepted a position as Chief Dietician in the Veterans Administration. Rita remained with the Veterans Administration her entire career as a Chief Dietician. She received numerous promotions, which meant relocations to larger and more complex sites during her career.
However, in 1990, Rita retired and embarked on her "second career," one that Rita would say was the most rewarding time of her life. She and her sister Mary, moved from Augusta, Georgia to Austin, Texas to join Mary's daughter, her husband and their children. Rita immediately became the "third grandmother" to her great nieces and grand nephew. Rita, along with Mary, spent most weekdays picking kids up after school, feeding them, and teaching them to mow the lawn, work in the garden or use power tools. On weekends, they attended soccer games, football games, swim meets, or dance competitions. Rita rejoiced in her grandchildren and loved them dearly.
In her spare time, she volunteered with Treasure of the Hills Senior Center in Cedar Park for many years in an administrative capacity. Rita was also an Honorary Founder of Senior Net, a non-profit organization with a mission of educating senior citizens to the wonders of computing and online opportunities in the early 1990’s. She also had a passion for painting, reading and The University of Texas Lady Longhorn basketball program.
For the past eight years, Rita has lived at GreenRidge and has been surrounded by a community of loving friends. She and Mary have been very fortunate to enjoy many wonderful, caring new-found companions.
Rita is survived by her beloved sister, Mary Connelly Weidert of Austin. Rita is also survived by nephews William F. Weidert, Jr. of Georgetown, Texas, Robert M. Weidert (Margaretmary) of Indian Harbour Beach, Florida, and niece Diane Weidert Morris (Stephen F. Morris) of Austin and their children Robin (Thomas) Breazier and daughter Mary Jean Breazier of Omaha, Nebraska, Stephanie Morris of Austin and William F. Morris of Hamburg, Germany.
Rita now joins her parents, her brother-in-law William F. Weidert, Sr., her sister, Catherine "Kay" Connelly Gallagher (John Gallagher), and their granddaughter Morgan Lynn Gallagher, who predeceased her in death. Rita is also survived by Kay and John's seven children Jane (Don) Fuller, John (Patti) Gallagher, Mark Gallagher, Mike (Debbie) Gallagher, Maurita (David R., Sr.) Krieger, Caren (Tom) Eppler, Joyce Gallagher as well as Kay's grandchildren Scott (Janet) Shannon, Rod (Claire) Fuller, Patrick (Karen) Fuller, Zach Krieger, David R. (Alison) Krieger Jr., Kristina (Dave) Green, Kevin (Amanda) Gallagher, Lauren Gallagher, Colin Gallagher Rossi, Ryan (Candace) Eppler, and Sarah Eppler and great granddaughter Violet Gagel Gallagher.
Funeral services will be held at 1:30 p.m., Friday, February 8, 2019, at St. Louis King of France Catholic Church in Austin. A Catholic Rosary will be held at 7:00 p.m., Thursday, February 7, 2019, in the Community Room at GreenRidge at Buckner Villas, 11110 Tom Adams Dr. (the entrance to GreenRidge is on the south side of Braker Lane).
To leave an online condolence for the family, please visit www.diginitymemorial.com .
Donations in memory of Rita to Austin Lighthouse for the Blind are welcomed.
