Rita M. McNeil

Rita McNeil, 92, of Swampscott and formerly of Marblehead passed away on December 12, 2018 surrounded by her loving family. She was the beloved wife of Dr. John F.  McNeil.

Born and raised in Proctor, Vermont, she was the daughter of Dominic and Cora McGarry. She was the youngest of five children and the only daughter.

Rita graduated from Proctor High School as class valedictorian in 1943. She then attended the University of Vermont and graduated in 1947 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Nutrition. She was a recipient of the Mortar Board Society Award, a national honor society that recognizes college seniors for distinguished ability and achievement in scholarship, leadership and service. Rita was voted class beauty her senior year.  She was also a member of the Pi Beta Phi sorority.   After graduating, Rita moved to Boston to live in Beacon Hill and worked as a dietician at the Peter Bent Brigham hospital.

On November 25th 1950 she married Dr. John F McNeil II. They settled in Marblehead where they a built a beautiful home, living there for 50 years.

A wonderful cook, she enjoyed entertaining and opening her home to family, friends and neighbors.   Rita thought of others first and her compassionate, generous and loving spirit was a true testament to her strong Catholic faith. She was an active communicant at Our Lady, Star of the Sea Church in Marblehead for many years. She established church coffees, coalition committees and meal brigades for shut-ins all while raising six children.   She enjoyed her bridge club and learned to play golf while a member at the Tedesco Country Club as her late husband was an avid golfer. She also enjoyed spending time with her cherished husband, children and friends as a member of the Corinthian Yacht Club.  She loved politics and enjoyed reading.

Rita will forever be remembered as a wonderful friend to others. She was eager to listen, quick to give encouragement and loved unconditionally.

She is predeceased by her beloved husband Dr. John F. McNeil and her son, William McNeil. Rita is survived by her treasured children John McNeil, III, Maura McNeil, Robert McNeil, Janet McNeil, and Bart McNeil, wonderful daughters-in-law Susan McNeil and Cathy McNeil, cherished grandchildren Caroline, Maria, Ryan and Lexi, her close brother-in-law and sister-in-law Dr. Paul and Maureen McNeil, and many special nieces and nephews.

Visiting hours will be Monday, December 17th from 4-8pm at The Murphy Funeral Home, 85 Federal Street (corner of North Street), Salem.  Her funeral will be held on Tuesday December 18th at 10:15 am from the funeral home, to be followed by a funeral mass at 11am in Our Lady Star of the Sea Parish, 85 Atlantic Ave., Marblehead . In lieu of flowers, a memorial contribution in Rita's honor can be made to the Padre Pio Foundation of America or the National Shrine of the Divine Mercy.