Passed away very peacefully at Opal Riverside Warrnambool on February 20, 2026.

 Aged 93 years

Loving wife of Frank (dec.).

Cherished mother and mother-in-law of John and Elizabeth, Larry and Rhonda, Frank and Nim, Jennifer and Ian, Leonie and Peter, Ros and Darren, Vincent and Susan, and Christina.

Adoring Granma of 20 and great Granma of 14.

Reunited with Frank
Rest in peace

*****

The Funeral Mass for RITA will be offered at St Joseph’s Catholic Church, Lava Street, Warrnambool on THURSDAY (February 26) commencing at 1.30pm.

The cortège will leave the Church at the conclusion of Funeral Mass for the
Warrnambool Cemetery.

The Rosary will be recited at the above Church on WEDNESDAY evening commencing at 7.30pm.

Click this link to view the livestream of Rita's Funeral Mass. 

Tributes

1. To Larry, Rhonda and family, my deepest and heartfelt condolences to you all on the passing of Rita. Take care. Sheryl

   Sheryl Hyland

   February 26, 2026 4:40 pm

2. To Larry, Rhonda and all the Family, our love, thoughts and prayers are with you on the passing of Rita, such a lovely lady. Sincere and heartfelt condolences

   Wendy and Trevor

   Wendy Pigdon

   February 26, 2026 11:06 am

3. As the eldest of twenty grandchildren, I’ve had the unique privilege of watching her love ripple through generations. And when I think of her, one word stands out more than anything: care.

   She was a master at caring for people.

   Eight children of her own — which in itself is extraordinary — and yet she somehow made it look effortless. Even silent. There was no fanfare. No complaints. No need for recognition. She just did it. Constantly. Steadily. With strength and grace.

   There was always good food nearby. You never went hungry in her presence — not physically, and not emotionally either. Her home was a place where you could sit, laugh, talk, and feel completely safe. Family connection wasn’t forced or scheduled — it was just the natural centre of everything she did.

   She created space for us to be together.

   To laugh loudly.
   To tell stories.
   To make memories that now feel priceless.

   Her legacy isn’t just in the eight children she raised.
   It’s in the twenty grandchildren and now 14 great grandchildren.
   And beyond that, in every meal shared, every laugh around a table, every quiet act of love that we now carry forward because she showed us how.

   Grandma, thank you for showing us that love doesn’t have to be loud to be powerful.
   Thank you for the food, the laughter, the safety, and the example.
   Thank you for building a family where connection is the heartbeat.

   We will carry that forward.
   We will keep gathering.
   We will keep laughing.
   We will keep caring for one another — the way you cared for all of us.

   And in that way, you will always be with us.

   Kristy

   February 26, 2026 7:00 am

4. To all the McCarthy clan
   My sincere condolences at the passing of Rita.
   She was a true gem of a human being .
   She was very good to me when I came to the seminary in Victoria from Tassie and welcomed me as a member of the family and I will always treasure that .

   RIP Rita united now with Frank . 🙏🙏❤️❤️

   Hayden Legro

   February 25, 2026 9:59 pm

5. To Larry, Rhonda and all the McCarthy family

   My thoughts and prayers are with you all on the passing of your mother, may you find peace in knowing that others care and feel for you at this sad time

   Love Faye Croxford (Warren)

   Faye Croxford

   February 25, 2026 9:25 am

6. Condolences to the McCathy family Remembered by the family of the late Martin.Morrissey Gerard Helen Des

   Gerard Morrissey

   February 23, 2026 11:28 am

7. Memories of a quiet and caring neighbour and friend. Rest in Peace, dear Rita.

   Betty

   February 22, 2026 10:11 pm

8. Ros,Darren n families, thinking of you all at this sad time on the passing of Rita, deepest sympathy ros,Barry n families

   Ros Mcbain

   February 22, 2026 4:23 pm

9. Very sorry to read of Rita's death. Rita was a lovely lady and made an enormous contribution to her community during Frank's terms as a Councillor of the City of Warrnambool for fourteen years. In particular she provided great support for Frank when he was Mayor of Warrnambool. My sympathy to John and Frank and all of Rita's family and friends.

   James Nicol, Fitzroy

   February 21, 2026 4:11 pm