Rita Ann (Blackburn) Cullen

Rita Ann Cullen, 86, of Naples, Florida, passed away peacefully on December 28, 2025, after a courageous battle with COPD. Born January 3, 1939, in New York City to Andrew and Winifred Blackburn, Rita was known throughout her life for her kindness, sharp mind, and the genuine way she cared about people.

Rita graduated from St. Anthony's High School in New York City in 1955. In 1958, she married Thomas Cullen, and together they built a beautiful life over 55 years of marriage. They raised two sons in New York before moving upstate in 1965, then to Dunwoody, Georgia in 1980, and finally to Naples, Florida in the early 2000s, where they loved the warm weather and spent many happy hours on the golf course.

Rita had a special way with people. She always wanted to know about your life, asked the right questions, and was ready to help however she could. Her generous heart and nurturing spirit made a difference to everyone who knew her, and her loyalty to family and friends never wavered.

She and Tom loved to travel, visiting Mexico, Italy, Ireland, and Alaska on a cruise, but it was their trip to Germany that she talked about for years. After Tom passed away in 2013, Rita stayed active and engaged with life. She was a formidable bridge player with a strategic mind and competitive edge, and she enjoyed playing mahjong with her friends. Anyone who knew Rita knew she kept everything organized and ran a tight ship.

Rita and her older sister Mary Yager shared a bond that went beyond sisterhood. They were best friends from childhood on, inseparable through all of life's ups and downs, devoted to each other until Mary's death.

Rita's Catholic faith was important to her and gave her strength and comfort throughout her life.

Rita was preceded in death by her husband, Thomas Cullen; her son, Paul Cullen; her sister and best friend, Mary Yager; and her parents, Andrew and Winifred Blackburn.

She leaves behind her son, Gary (Stephany) Cullen; her grandson, Clark Cullen, who brought her so much joy; and her nephews, Tim (Mary) and Michael (Kim) Yager.

A Catholic Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:30 am on Saturday, January 17, 2026, at the St. Agnes Catholic Church Chapel, 7775 Vanderbilt Beach Road, Naples, FL 34120. May she rest in eternal peace.

Ingram Funeral Home, 210 Ingram Ave, Cumming, GA is in charge of arrangements. Condolences may be expressed online at ingramfuneralhome.com.