Rita Jean Macaulay
May 3, 1953 – August 28, 2024
VIGIL SERVICE: Thursday, September 5, 2024, at 7:00PM at St. Cecilia Cathedral, 701 N. 40th Street, Omaha with VISITATION from 5:00-7:00PM. MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL: Friday, September 6, 2024, at 11:15 AM at St. Cecilia Cathedral. INTERMENT: Evergreen Memorial Park Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the Family appreciates any donations you may wish to direct to the Family. These contributions will be directed to charities that were close to Rita’s heart.
To view a live broadcast of the Vigil Service and Mass, please visit www.heafeyheafey.com and click the “Live Cast” button at the top of the home page.
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Rita Jean Macaulay, a cherished woman of faith, passed away peacefully on August 28, 2024, at the age of 71. Born on May 3, 1953, in Council Bluffs, Iowa, Rita lived a life marked by profound love and dedication, leaving behind a legacy of education and nurturing.
Rita was raised on a farm near Westphalia, Iowa, alongside her parents and six siblings. After completing her studies at Mount Marty College and graduating in 1977, she met her future husband, Wilfred “Mac” Macaulay, at Holy Trinity Monastery in Arizona that fall. They wed on October 28, 1978, and shared a loving partnership throughout their marriage. Their family grew with the adoption of Leah in 1985 and Alex (Aimee) in 1987. Mac remained a dedicated partner and father until his passing in 2005.
Rita’s career in education began at St. Joan of Arc, where she served as a science teacher from 1980 to 1986. Her passion for teaching children led her to establish the Montessori Learning Home in 1990, where she joyfully spent the next 34 years guiding and inspiring countless young minds. From 2012 until her passing, Rita was also a beloved teacher with the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, continuing her dedication to each child’s spiritual and intellectual growth.
A devoted mother, Rita found immense joy in homeschooling her daughters, Leah and Alex (Aimee), and actively participated in their extracurricular activities, including 4-H, dance, tae-kwon-do, and piano. Her love for her family extended to many hobbies, including sewing, singing, biking, cooking, gardening, bird watching, hiking, and playing cards with her family. Her home was a haven of warmth, creativity, and joy, reflecting her nurturing spirit and passion for life.
Rita’s faith was the cornerstone of her life, guiding her actions and interactions. Her compassion and unwavering commitment to her Catholic beliefs touched the lives of everyone she met. She will be remembered with deep affection by her family, friends, and all who had the honor of knowing her.
Rita is survived by her daughters, Leah Macaulay and Alex (Aimee) Macaulay; her siblings, Maribeth Zimmerman, Rae Zimmerman, Paul (and Arlene) Zimmerman, Sr. Jodie Zimmerman, Phil (and Sharyn) Zimmerman; and her sister-in-law, Bunnie Zimmerman; as well as the many friends and former students, who will carry her legacy forward. She was preceded in death by her parents, Barney and Valerie Zimmerman; her brother, John Zimmerman; and her husband, Mac Macaulay.
Rita’s life was a testament to love, faith, and compassion. Her memory will live on in the hearts of those she touched and the many lives she shaped. We love you, Miss Rita!
14 Comments
Rita will be forever missed by her students, family and friends. We are all better people for having known her.
So sad to hear that Rita has left this world, but I know she will be welcomed by her parents, brother, husband, and others who loved her. Her gentle spirit will be missed.
I have so many fond memories of Rita and I working on Montessori things together. Many meals together at Tish’s restaurant. I am so sorry to hear of her passing.
I will never forget you, dear Rita. We were brought together for a short time but shared blessings that will last for life. I hope and pray we will unite again. Let us continue to pray for each other.
Rita had a hugely profound impact on my life as I was one of the first students at the Montessori Learning Home. I will always miss you and love you, Rita!
My dear sister Rita accompanied me to serve as a lay missionary in Japan from 1973 to 1975. She took leave from her studies at Mount Marty to do this. While there she learned play the koto, a traditional Japanese instrument. Music was very important to Rita. She loved living in Japan and experiencing a different culture. How I will miss her.
When a life is conceived, a gift from God has been received; when that life shares her gifts and talents, a blessing has been given because of what she has received from God as a witness following the path of His Son; and when that life has fulfilled God’s purpose for them, the grace of eternal salvation is now perpetuated. May you rest in God’s eternal peace precious Rita.
SEE – by Stephen Curtis Chapman
Right now all I can taste are bitter tears
And right now all I can SEE are clouds of sorrow
From the other side of all this pain
Is that YOU I hear
Laughing loud and calling out to me
Saying SEE it’s everything He said that it would be
And even better than you would believe
And I’m counting down the days
Until you’re here with me
And finally you’ll SEE
But right now all I can say is Lord how long
Before You come and take away this aching
This night of weeping seems to have no end
But when the morning light breaks through
We’ll open up our eyes and we will SEE
It’s everything He said that it would be
And even better than we would believe
And He’s counting down the days
‘Til He says “Come with Me”
And finally we’ll SEE
He’ll wipe every tear from our eyes
And make everything new
Just like He promised
Wait and SEE
Oh taste and SEE that the Lord is good
The Lord is good
May her life be for a blessing. Death leaves a heartache no one can heal; love leaves a memory no one can steal. My deepest sympathies.
Rest in peace, Rita!
God truly loved our 3 grandchildren, when he placed them in the arms of love, spirituality and compassion, with Miss Rita. Although we live in Kansas City, we were fortunate to build a relationship with her by attending events and programs she held at her preschool. She was always so warm and kind,, but it was her unwavering faith and love of Jesus that was so touching. I loved visiting with her . I know our Julian, Leah and Amaya are richer in character and faith because of her. Our sincere condolences. We were blessed to have known her and enjoy time with her.
A teacher leaves a wide mark in the world, even wider when her students are very young. The lessons imparted are more formative than those from later in life. There will be people alive in the 22nd century recalling their Montessori teacher Miss Rita. Rest in peace cousin, your labors have borne much that is good and lasting.
Eternal rest grant unto Rita, O Lord. And let perpetual light shine upon her. May she rest in peace. Amen.. Magnificat-Omaha, Catholic Women’s Evangelization in Omaha, greatly appreciated Rita’s devotion and love. We are deeply saddened by her passing and will miss her terribly. She always registered the women for the last 8 years as they came to our brunches. She will have many souls meet her in heaven in thanksgiving for her efforts that led to their conversion and return to the Church. Rita, we love you and are grateful for your humble service. Much love from your many Sisters in Christ,,
Karen Dwyer, Magnificat-Omaha Coordinator
Miss Rita had a huge impact on my life. She was a fount of patience & knowledge. I feel so lucky and grateful to have had her as a teacher. May her memory be a blessing to all of us whose lives she touched.
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