Rita McClenaghan

1930 - 2025

Rita McClenaghan
Rita Mary McClenaghan, daughter of the late Marion Gilmore; wife to William "Will" "Mac" McClenaghan; mother to Patricia Kerschner (Steve), Linda Arena (Edward), and William W. McClenaghan (Alice Osborne); "Gram" to Jacqueline Novotny (Jon Crowe), Kelly Arena (Irwin Paltoo), Scott Novotny and Sydney Arena and "Great Gram" to four beautiful children who loved her dearly, passed peacefully on June 25th, 2025 surrounded by her loving family.
Rita was the matriarch of the McClenaghan family. She met her beloved "Will" in 1954. It was love at first sight; they were married within months - three children, bunnies, ducks, countless dogs and a monkey helped round out their family. Rita and Will left a legacy of countless family traditions: their love of the beach and boating; trips to Nags Head; holiday family dinners; summer barbecues and most of all their love of dogs…BIG dogs at that!
Rita was ahead of her time…a true jack of all trades and a woman who could not and would not be stopped. She took auto mechanics and woodworking classes (resulting in an in-home wood shop in her garage), mowed her acre of lawn while "Mac" commuted to NYC, knitted, sewed, and took in countless stray animals; all while hosting the neighborhood block party, welcoming the new neighbors and NEVER missing an event for her children or grandchildren. Rita was a true craftsman – she made life size wood decorations for every holiday, crocheted baby blankets, needle pointed beautiful keepsakes, and sewed every single Halloween costume for her grand kids, along with the highly coveted bunnies and reindeer she made "With love from Rita."
She was known for her profound empathy and willingness to help others, making a difference in the lives of many beyond her immediate family. She once heard a call for a family whose boat had run aground on Cockenoe Island. She drove to Cove Marina and brought the family (animals and all) to her home until they could get settled. Rita would always make sure there were extra spots at the family table for holiday meals, welcoming in anyone who needed a place to feel love and acceptance. In her later years she devoted time to the Waveny Retirement Community; sharing her warmth and kindness with its residents.
Above anything else Rita's proudest accomplishment was her family. She loved her husband, children, grandchildren and great grandchildren fiercely. She spent the last six years doting on her great grandchildren and delighting in their presence. In her last days, her biggest concern was making sure her family would be okay without her. Though she is no longer with us, her life serves as a powerful example of love, kindness, determination, and resilience, a legacy that will inspire and serve as a pillar for her family for years to come.
In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting that donations be made to PAWS of Norwalk. A small service will be held at St. John's Cemetery, 223 Richards Avenue, Norwalk, CT on Monday, June 30th at 11 a.m. A Celebration of Life will follow at a later date.