Rita M (Mullally) McShane

Highland, IN- Rita M. McShane, age 100, passed away Tuesday, January 3, 2023 at her daughter Jean’s home in Kohler, Wisconsin.  She passed away peacefully in the presence of family. She had been a long-time resident of Highland.

Rita was preceded in death by her husband, James P McShane, her parents Charles and Laura Mullally, and her brothers James and Roy. She is survived by her five children:  Patrick (Jing-Yi), Jean, Charles, Michael (Caroline), and Peggy (Brian Smith); ten grandchildren, three great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. 

Rita was born November 22, 1922, and raised in the Marktown neighborhood of East Chicago.  She met her future husband Jim McShane in homeroom at East Chicago Roosevelt High School.  They married after Jim returned from serving in the Marines during WWII.  The couple moved to Highland in the 1950’s, where they raised their family.  Jim and  Rita were members of Our Lady of Grace Parrish.  Rita volunteered in the parish’s Altar and Rosary Society, and also became a Girl Scout Troop Leader.  She was employed for many years in the Men’s Department of Highland Department Store.

She lived in her house in Highland for over 60 years.  About eight years ago Rita moved to Crown Point, initially to Christian Village, and then with her son and daughter-in-law, Michael and Caroline.  The last several months, she lived with her daughter Jean in Kohler.  In November, she celebrated her 100th birthday with a series of very happy and loving birthday parties with small groups of family.

Visitation will be held on Monday, January 9, 2023 from 4:00 to 8:00 PM at Fagen Miller Funeral Home,  2828 Highway Avenue, Highland.

A funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 AM  Tuesday January 10 at St James the Less Church, 9640 Kennedy Avenue, Highland. A brief viewing will be held at the Church at 10 AM , prior to Mass.

Burial will immediately follow Mass at Calvary Cemetery in Portage. 

In lieu of flowers, donations are appreciated  in Rita’s memory  to Share with the Handicapped, or to another charity of your choice.

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