Rita A. LeStrange

1923 - 2017

LeStrange, Rita A.

Rita A. (Clarey) LeStrange, 93 of Binghamton, passed away Tuesday February 28, 2017. Rita was born in Montrose, PA on August 25, 1923 to Martin and Catherine Clarey. She graduated from Binghamton Central High School in 1940 and went to work for the US Government. Rita started as clerk-typist and completed her career as a property management specialist for the Department of Defense. While working full-time, she earned an Associate Degree from Broome Community College. Rita is preceded in death by her husband Stanley M. LeStrange, her daughter Catherine M. (LeStrange) Martin, her two brothers Willard and Ambrose Clarey, her three sisters Mary Crowley, Margaret McGinnis and Catherine Ford, as well as her dearest friends Betty Cook and Doris Feheley. She is survived by her sons Michael M. LeStrange of Henderson NV, Dennis P. LeStrange and his wife Lisa of Malvern, PA and their children Emily M., and Justin P. of Philadelphia, PA, Connor S., and Christian D. of Malvern, PA. Also, Paul F. LeStrange and his wife Eileen of Worcester, MA and their children Ryan P. LeStrange and his wife Sarah Ann and Rita's great granddaughters Louisa and Elizabeth all of Westmont, IL, Colin J. LeStrange and his wife Katrin of Chappaqua, NY and Johanna E. LeStrange of New York City. She is also survived by her son-in-law Thomas Martin of Binghamton, NY. Rita was also close to her many nieces and nephews, particularly David Quinlivan who was a source of great comfort, care and companionship to Rita in her final years. Rita was a long-time parishioner of St. Thomas Aquinas Church and its Altar Rosary Society, a member of the Ancient Order of Hibernians and a former member of the board of trustees of Horizons Federal Credit Union. Rita was also the founding member and chairman of the "If You're Going to Drink You Have to Eat" club which, to this day, enjoys a large and robust membership. The family would like to thank the nurses and staff from the STAR unit of the Hilltop Nursing Home for their loving care and commitment to Rita. A Funeral Mass will be offered at St. Thomas Aquinas Church, Highland Avenue, Binghamton, Saturday at 9:30 a.m. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery, Johnson City. The family will receive friends at the J.A. McCormack Sons Funeral Home, 141 Main Street, Binghamton, Friday from 4 to 6 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made In Rita's memory to Broome County Catholic Schools, 70 Seminary Avenue, Binghamton, NY 13905.