Rita Mae Leahy

Rita Mae Leahy (Havel), Age 93, passed away peacefully on Thursday, May 26, surrounded by her loving family.

Rita was born on March 26, 1929, in Montgomery, MN to the late Martin & Antoinette Havel. She was the youngest of six children. She grew up in Montgomery and worked at Franke’s Bakery and mastered the art of cooking and baking. She was the best!

In 1947, Rita graduated from Montgomery High School and went on to pursue her dreams of becoming a nurse. She attended the College of St. Catherine in St. Paul, MN. She met the love of her life Jim in 1949 and was married the following year. They had five sons and two daughters. Rita continued to work as a Nurse in hospital and care facility settings until her retirement. She and Jim enjoyed their winter months in the Florida Keys. In 2003, Rita lost the love of her life, but her faith in God, strong will and love for her family, kept her around another 19 years.

Rita was the mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother everyone wished they had. She was the most loving, caring, devoted, and nurturing woman to everyone she met. She will be deeply missed by her family.  

Preceded in death by parents, Martin & Antoinette; husband, Jim; brothers, Martin, George, & Robert; sisters, Virginia & Delores; & great-granddaughter, Izzy.

Survived by her children; Michael (Carol), Patrick (Mary), James, Thomas (Kate), Timothy (Mary), Mary (Kevin) Glasow, & Annie; her grandchildren, Katie, Megan, Beth, Colleen, Georgina, Daisy, Melanie, Chad, Caitlin, Molly, Joe, Becky, Brigette, Shannon, Jim, Erin, Matt, Tony, Rita, Sam, & Jake; and great grandchildren, Kaylee, Colin, Nora, Aiden, Olivia, Ethan, Micah, Emma, Kennedy, Brooklyn, Bradley, Lucas, Finley, Archie, Zach, Ella, Rachel, Megan, Landon, Addison, Eamonn, Bridger, Sawyer, Baby Grimes (due 12/22); and many nieces and nephews.

Mass of Christian Burial 11 am, Friday, July 22, at St. Mary of the Lake Church, 4741 Bald Eagle Ave., White Bear Lake, visitation prior to mass from 9:30 -11am. Private inurnment at Resurrection Cemetery. Her family would like to thank the staff at Waverly Gardens & Allina Hospice for their loving care. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.

  “Sleep tight Mom/Grandma. Hug Dad/Grandpa for us and always know how much we love you.”