Rita M. Gahagan (nee Boland), 89, of Exton, PA passed away on June 26, 2017.
Born in Philadelphia in 1928, she was the beloved daughter of the late James and Mary (nee Cooney) Boland. Rita graduated from Notre Dame Academy, Villanova in 1946 and attended Pierce Business School, Philadelphia. She then worked at WayneCo Enterprises in the late 1980's after her mother passed away. Rita was also a homeroom mom, lunchroom mom, and driver for the nun's at St. Anastasia School, Newtown Square. As a member of SS Philip & James Church, Exton and SS Peter & Paul Church, West Chester she attended Mass daily for years.
Family was the most important thing to Rita. She believed everyone should celebrate together every week of the year, hence Sunday night dinners that lasted hours longer than they should. Rita loved to shop for the grandchildren; they were her pride and joy. She also enjoyed the grocery store and would buy way too many of everything and give them to everyone who came to her house.
Rita was predeceased by Joseph R. Gahagan, Sr. with whom she shared 52 years of marriage; loving mother of Joseph R. Gahagan, Jr. (Kathy), M. Rita Schaefer (Dave), James Gahagan (Elaine), Maureen Valko (John), and the late Patrick J. Gahagan (Jackie); devoted grandmother of Tom (Valerie) and Andrew Gahagan, Kristen Sinkiewicz (Joe), DJ and Amanda Schaefer, Shannon, Rob and Laura Gahagan, Evan, Lauren and Erin Valko; adoring great-grandmother of Olivia, Thomas, Aidan, Emma, and Alexis.
Relatives and friends are invited to her Visitation 10:00-11:00 AM Saturday, July 1, 2017 at SS Philip & James Church, 107 N. Ship Rd, Exton, PA 19341 followed by her Funeral Mass at 11:00 AM. Interment SS Peter & Paul Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to GEYA Soccer, HIGH 5 Scholarship- in memo line - memorial for Rita Gahagan, P.O. Box 164, Uwchlan, PA 19480, geyasoccer.org.
Visitation
Saturday, July 1, 2017 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
SS Philip & James Church
107 N. Ship Road Exton 19341, United States