Mary Rita McKenney

Looking on the bright side was a trait that served Mary Rita Doyle McKenney well for over 80 years. Her joie de vie attracted friends of all ages from every walk of life. Born in Hartford, CT on November 21, 1929 to Mary Roberta McCormick and Edmond B. Doyle, she married James J. McKenney in 1952. Predeceased by her husband of 52 years, her son James J. McKenney Jr., and her sisters Ann D. Flannigan and Joan Doyle, she is survived by her sister Frances “Pinky” Doyle of West Hartford, her brother Edmond Doyle of Glastonbury and her sister Sheilah Herchig of Jacksonville, Florida; her children, Mary Rita “Twink” McKenney and her husband Kevin Hanlon of Southbury, Julianne McKenney and her husband Frederick Shaffer of Reading, Massachusetts, Patricia Silva and her husband Timothy of New Fairfield, Eileen McKenney of Squantum, Massachusetts and Tara Bass and her husband Marc Bradley of New Fairfield; her beloved grandchildren, Chloe Eileen Bass, Marc B. Bass II, Lily Rose Shaffer, Nathaniel Philip Shaffer, “T.J.” Silva and Joey Silva and a host of nieces, nephews, grandnieces and nephews — and friends who became like family.

Rita’s nursing training was a highlight of her life. She graduated from the University of Connecticut’s School of Nursing in 1952 and worked at Yale New Haven Hospital, Windham Community Hospital and Danbury Hospital where she passed away peacefully on October 22 surrounded by family. Employed by the Brookfield School System for 23 years, Rita began as a school nurse and later became Home & School Coordinator, a position that used her special skills to touch the lives of many. She eagerly looked forward to monthly Retiree Luncheons with her Brookfield colleagues.

Rita graduated from Wethersfield High School, and in 1946 the DAR sponsored her to Girls State. She attended school reunions of all kinds - from Rawson Elementary School in Hartford to her 50th UCONN reunion in 2002. She was an avid Girl Scout (Brownie, Mariner, Junior and Cadet) and became a Troop Leader during the 1960s when her daughters were involved in scouting. She became New Fairfield’s first Neighborhood Chairman.

Rita loved raising her family in New Fairfield and was a former member and past president of the Townland Club promoting small town friendliness and welcoming new residents. She was also a former member of the St. Edward’s Ladies Guild. After retirement, New Fairfield’s Senior Center and The Red Hat Society were sources of great enjoyment.

Rita loved the ocean and had so many fond memories of family times in Old Lyme Shores, Madison, Mattunick and Martha’s Vineyard and spent many happy summers camping at Hammonasset State Park.

This past year, she moved from picturesque Candlewood Isle, where she and Jim settled in the late 1950s and raised their family, to a wonderful new home at Chestnut Grove in New Milford. Despite health challenges in the last few years, she never complained and continued as a fixture at family gatherings and celebrations. We will miss her sparkling blue eyes and welcoming smile, but will continue to be inspired by her. She had a love of life and people (that endured throughout her stay at Danbury Hospital), an independent spirit and a memorable collection of hats. Boop-Oop-A-Doop.

As a celebration of Rita’s spirit, donations may be made in her name to The University of Connecticut, School of Nursing, Center for Nursing Scholarship (Storrs Hall, Room 201), 231 Glenbrook Road, Unit 2026, Storrs, CT 06269-2026.

Arrangements under the direction of Green Funeral Home, Danbury, CT.