Rita F. McNamara

Rita F. McNamara (Follmer), beloved mother, grandmother, and wife of the late Robert Charles McNamara, died peacefully at the age of 102 on Friday, May 26th with family by her side. Rita was the last-born child to her parents, the late Jacob and Catherine Follmer, in Syracuse, NY on August 15, 1920. She married Robert McNamara in 1943 and accompanied him as he traveled across the country for the military, living in several different states. Finally settling in Connecticut, she spent the remainder of her years there, first in Cromwell then in Middletown.

First and foremost, Rita was a nurturer and a caregiver. She adored children, and while she was blessed with only one, she had wanted many. Thus, she treasured spending lots of time with her grandchildren. She loved fashion and clothes (particularly shoes) and was always meticulous about her appearance. This passion allowed her to work as a buyer for Bunce’s Department Store in Middletown, until it closed its doors in 1974. Then she went on to work as a secretary in the Psychiatric Ward at Middlesex Hospital until she retired. Rita McNamara was a friend and comfort to all who knew her. Those who loved her will forever miss her.

She was preceded by her husband of 50 years, and leaves behind her daughter, Eileen Sullivan and husband Ken (of Colchester, CT); her granddaughters, Erin Sullivan and husband Jon, and Colleen (Sullivan) Diaz and husband Daniel (of Southern CA); her greatgrandsons, Dylan, Devan, and Daxton Diaz, as well as two step-grandchildren, six step-great-grandchildren, and five step-great-greatgrandchildren.

Services will be held at Rose Hill Funeral Home, 580 Elm St., Rocky Hill, CT on Sunday, June 11th. Calling hours will be from 12:00 to 1:30 p.m. with service at 1:30 p.m. A reception will follow at Luther Ridge at Middletown, 628 Congdon St. West, Middletown, CT. For online condolences, memories or photo tributes, please visit www.rosehillfuneralhomect. com