Rita R. Mulcahy
Rita was born in January 1941 on the family farm just outside Gordon, Nebraska. Rita graduated from Gordon High School in 1958.
Rita married John on July 17, 1970, in Gordon, having grown up together as neighbors and classmates. Together they raised two children, Paul and Janell.
Rita was a working mother who managed the household and a full-time job as a bookkeeper. Through numerous trials and adventures, she almost always kept her cool. Through late nights at the table with homework, scrambling to get a costume made, or last-minute washing of uniforms. In the late night you could find Rita with a book and a cup of coffee at the ready. Rita loved to sew and made many of her own clothes. She also made many clothes for Paul which was seen as very, very not cool at the time! Rita also loved gardening, flowers, cooking, and baking. She was a committed Christian and an active member of her Church, both in Gordon and Lincoln. Rita was also a member of VFW auxiliary.
In the early 2000s, Rita suffered a series of strokes that robbed her of many of the things she enjoyed. Yet those events did not dampen her love of family, friends, fellowship, and her determination to move forward. When challenged she would respond with smiles and a unique strength of purpose.
Rita passed away September 26, 2025 in Lincoln Nebraska. Rita is survived by her husband, John, her son, Paul and his wife, Nichole, of Lincoln, NE. Her daughter, Janell, preceded her in death. She is survived by siblings, Deen, Gwen, Deanna, and Norma, many nieces and nephews, cousins, and friends.
Funeral services for Rita will be held at Fellowship Community Church, 8451 Eagle Crest Road, Lincoln, Nebraska, on October 3, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. Ladies attending the funeral are asked to wear a colorful hat in honor of Rita. Memorials to Fellowship Community Church. To give online go Fellowshiplincoln.com/give.
Rita is my Mom, and by far the toughest lady I have ever known. Rest in peace, Mom, love you, Paul.
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Funeral Home assisting is Aspen Mortuary, 4822 Cleveland Avenue, Lincoln, NE 68504. To view an on-line obituary or email condolences please visit Aspen Mortuary’s website at www.aspenaftercare.com.
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Condolences for Rita R. Mulcahy
It truly was a privilege to have known and loved Rita. She will missed.
Our deepest sympathy. We love you Uncle John and will miss Rita although we’ve lost touch being so far away from you. Wish you and Paul peace and some beautiful memories of Rita and Mom.
Rita had a great sense of humor and we often laughed hysterically at nothing and soon were tearing up at that also. She played the piano (without formal lessons) so well and often entertained us with popular songs. I remember how generous and kind she was to all the older nieces and nephews before she had her own family and even after they arrived on the scene. Will always miss her laughter and smiles with love.