Rita McNamara

Rita (Usiak) McNamara, 71, a beloved mother, sister, teacher, business owner and friend, peacefully departed from this world in the early morning of Sunday, May 26^th, reuniting with the humans she had lost in life, then gently moving them out of the way to get to her dog. When she passed, she was surrounded by her loving family at her home in Canfield.

Born on December 1^st, 1952 in Pittsburgh, PA, Rita was the daughter of the late Norman and Margaret Usiak, and the wife of her adoring husband, the late Eugene “Mac” McNamara. 

Rita was a believer. She believed that laughter was appropriate in all situations, and that when you found yourself not knowing what to do next, to be generous. She also believed (perhaps most fervently of all) that Barbara Streisand was the greatest singer who ever lived, and that there was no discernable limit to the number of times that Frasier or the 2005 Earth, Wind and Fire Tribute on Ice TV Special could or should be viewed in a single lifetime.

From an early age, Rita displayed a fondness for learning, particularly in fashion, culture, and the arts. She first applied these passions as a buyer for Strouss Department store, then carried them with her throughout her years spent in Youngstown City Schools, teaching French, English and Reading to countless students.

She was a graduate of Cardinal Mooney High School and later Youngstown State University, where she obtained her master’s degree while working full time and raising her children. She was a member of the Junior League of Youngstown and a parishioner at St. Michael’s Church in Canfield. 

Rita is survived by her children, Maeghan McNamara, and Connor (Eliza) McNamara, as well as her siblings Susan (Fred) Harchelroad, Frank (Judy) Usiak, her step-children Bonnie (Mark) Botti, and Patrick McNamara along with her eight nieces and nephews, honorary children, and many cherished friends. She is preceded in death by her husband, her parents, her step-son, Brian McNamara, and her brother Norman (Sandy) Usiak, whom she missed daily. 

She would have found this obituary, written by her children, moderately amusing. But she would have loved that they wrote it together. 

Visitation will take place on Monday, June 3^rd at Lane Funeral Home-Canfield Chapel from 5-7 pm, followed by services to honor Rita's life at St. Dominic’s Church at 10 am Tuesday, June 4^th. 

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations in her name to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital or the Edna House for Women in Cleveland, Ohio.

Please join us as we celebrate Rita's remarkable life and the legacy she leaves behind.