Rita Macdonald

Rita MacDonald, age 74, of Ithaca, NY, passed away on December 23, 2015, after a long illness.

Rita was born in Ithaca, NY on December 31, 1940, the daughter of Mary B. and John W. MacDonald. She grew up in Ithaca, attended high school at Eden Hall Academy of the Sacred Heart in Philadelphia, and graduated from Cornell University with a B.A. and M.A. in English. Rita taught high school English for over 35 years, first in Cortland, NY and for more than 25 years at Ithaca High School. For many years at IHS, Rita was the adviser for The Annual, the high school yearbook. Rita was passionate about the English language, literature, and writing. She instilled in her students, nieces and nephews a respect for the spoken and written word. She was a protagonist at heart and a fierce defender of the underrepresented. Rita cared deeply for her family, friends, students and pets.

She is survived by her sister Virginia (Jon) MacDonald Lindseth of Hunting Valley, OH and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents; her sisters Mary Jean MacDonald O'Connell and Catherine MacDonald Wigsten; and her brother Jack MacDonald.

A memorial mass and celebration of her life will be held Saturday January 23, 2016 at 11:00 AM at St Catherine of Siena Church with Fr. Joseph Marcoux officiating.

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to the SPCA of Tompkins County or a charity of your choice.