Mary Rita Willinghan

It is with profound sadness, yet deep gratitude for a life well-lived, that we announce the passing of Mary Rita Willinghan (nee DiSante), affectionately known as Rita, who left us peacefully on May 22, 2026, at the age of 91. Born on December 22, 1934, in Baltimore, Maryland, Rita was the cherished daughter of the late Reginaldo and Lucy DiSante. Rita was a beacon of love and laughter, a woman whose incredible spirit touched everyone she met. Raised in a lively household alongside her siblings, Dorothy, Roy, and Barbara, she carried the values of family, faith, and friendship throughout her life. A proud graduate of Forest Park High School's class of 1952, Rita had a keen mind for business and furthered her education in accounting at Strayer College. In 1962, Rita married the love of her life, George Willinghan. Together, they built a loving home and raised three wonderful children: Regina Rose (Michael), Tripp (Diane), and Eric (Meg). As a devoted mother and wife, Rita's life was a testament to her belief that family is the heart of everything. Although George divorced her, they remained friends. Her professional journey began at the Rouse Company in their accounting department but she left that position to begin her favorite occupation, mother to her children. Circumstances compelled her to begin working again, but she discovered her in the pediatrics office at GBMC. For over two decades, she was beloved by staff and patients alike for her compassion and silly sense of humor. To make ends meet, she also worked part-time at Sears, at her church's daycare, and sold Avon, always infusing her jobs with her characteristic warmth and dedication. Rita's life was a colorful tapestry of service and joy. A devout member of St. John's Catholic Church in Hydes, Maryland, she taught CCD for many years, nurturing young hearts in faith. Her commitment to community extended to the Red Hats Society and the St. Gemma Galgani Youth Unit in Woodstock, Maryland. She was also active in her children's schools and activities serving on the PTA, being a room mother, chaperoning for many school trips, being a Cub Scout Den Mother, a Brownie Troop Leader and Girl Scout leader, and helping backstage in countless community theatre productions. Her interests were as varied as they were joyful. Rita was an avid gardener, great word puzzle solver, renowned as the best cook in her family, a gracious hostess who loved entertaining, and thoroughly enjoyed visiting the beach and lighthouses. Her laughter resonated while watching funny movies and playing with her children, nieces, nephews, and grandchildren.. In her company, her impromptu dancing regardless of whether there was music or not meant that no room remained dull. Rita will be remembered for her boundless generosity, unique humor, and for bringing light to every occasion. Her silly jokes delighted children and adults alike, and her unconditional love was the foundation of her family. Her beloved pets, especially Jake and Harry, brought her endless joy and companionship. Rita joins her parents, sister Dorothy, brother Roy, and friend and former husband, George in eternal rest. She leaves behind her loving sister Barbara, her children and their spouses, and her beloved grandchildren, Chett, Taylor, and Ian, who carry forward her legacy of love and laughter. A funeral service will be held in her honor this summer. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to be made to the Maryland SPCA in memory of Rita's lifelong love for animals. Contributions can be made at mdspca.org/donate. The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to Citizens Care Center of Havre de Grace and Amedisys Hospice for their compassionate care during Rita's final days. Her memory will forever be a blessing to all who were fortunate enough to know her.