Photo: from left, standing: Arlene, Patsy, Jack, Janeen.
Seated: Rita and Vern.
RITA P. DONOVAN is the daughter of John and Loretta Carew Donovan. She was born in Dubuque County, Iowa, on November 26, 1918.
Rita married Vern McCarthy (born May 20, 1907, to Patrick and Catherine Dunne McCarthy) on November 26, 1935, at Assumption Church, Sylvia Switch, rural Zwingle, Iowa.
They had four children:
- Patricia “Patsy” McCarthy O’Connell
- Arlene McCarthy Henneberry
- John “Jack” McCarthy
- Janeen McCarthy Heim Clarke Pape
Rita worked at the Clinton Engine Company and the Adam’s Company in Dubuque, Iowa. She was a member of St. Patrick’s Church, Garryowen, and the Altar and Rosary Societies. She also did volunteer work at the Bernard Area Food Pantry for many years. Her nephew, Ron McCarthy always said she made the best bread pudding.
Vern died on January 9, 1977. Rita died on June 1, 2003. They are buried in St. Patrick Cemetery, Garryowen, Iowa.