Rita Mildred McGoldrick

Rita McGoldrick (age 93) passed away on Monday, September 9, 2024. Daughter of John and Krissa Roach (dec’d), sister of Jack and Matt Roach (dec’d). Beloved wife of the late Joseph McGoldrick. Loving mother of Terry McGoldrick, Tim McGoldrick (Lynn) and Donna Holm. Beloved grandmother of Barbara Guido, Krissa McGoldrick, Tim McGoldrick (Christina), Shannon Mace (Nick), Kelly DiGiacinto (Drew), Chelsea Lynn (Frank), Danielle Holm, Darcy Holm (Stephanie), Cory McGoldrick (Amber) and Vicky Medlock (Jay). Great-grandmother of Tyler, Dylan, Julie, Savannah, Ava, Lillian, Jacob, Brandon, Georgia, Paislee, Lincoln, Jack, Brayden, Giavanna, Quinn, Demi, Attilio, and Baby Medlock. Great-great grandmother of Evie May.

Rita was born on March 24, 1931. She grew up during the Great Depression, which helped shape her decisions and how she lived her life. A strong woman of faith, she was a life-long member of St. Francis De Sales Church and a proud graduate of Holy Name High School, where she graduated in 1948. She worked at Norfolk & Western Railroad and Republic Steel, but her favorite job was raising her three children. In her early years, she enjoyed traveling, cooking, gardening, bowling and baseball. She was a loyal and devoted fan of the Cleveland Indians (Guardians) and Cleveland Browns for many, many years. She would often be found watching her beloved home team on the television, under a cozy blanket. One of her favorite memories in her later years was attending monthly luncheons with her high school classmates from Holy Name. She enjoyed reminiscing about her teenage years, learning about their families and bragging about her own. Her favorite pastime, however, was hosting family gatherings which were filled with love, laughter and delicious food: most notably her chocolate chip and peanut butter cookies, a family staple. 

Rita’s family was her greatest treasure. She was a devoted mother and grandmother who was immensely proud of her family’s accomplishments and her Irish heritage. She passed a lot of wisdom on to her family over the years by the way she lived her life. She lived frugally, and wasted nothing. Rita welcomed each of her grandchildren and great grandchildren with open arms. She never missed a birthday or a special event in any of their lives. Even from afar, you could feel her love in a simple phone call. She was loving, generous, gentle and kind. She exuded warmth in her embrace and was a true example of unconditional love. 

The family will receive friends on Sunday, September 22, 2024 from 5 PM – 8 PM at Kolodiy-Lazuta Funeral Home, 5677 State Road, Parma, Ohio 44134. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 am on Monday, September 23, 2024 at St. Francis De Sales Church, 3434 George Avenue, Parma, Ohio 44134. Inurnment to follow at 1:15 PM at Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery, 10175 Rawiga Road, Seville, Ohio 44273.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations in Rita’s memory to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.